mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white or milky color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, white or milky color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often crystallized from hydrothermal solutions or silicate melts over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics, oscillators, gemstones, and abrasive materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass) and conchoidal fracture; found worldwide in river gravels, beaches, and vein deposits.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral