mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white/cloudy, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (often hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to white/cloudy, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (often hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms through crystallization of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. Found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, watches, and jewelry as gemstones (amethyst, citrine, etc.).
Geological facts
It is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which originally meant 'hard'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife and its lack of cleavage (it breaks in curved, shell-like patterns). Found globally in riverbeds, mountains, and beaches.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous