mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear, white, grey, or various shades depending on impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear, white, grey, or various shades depending on impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal veins, igneous rocks like granite and pegmatite, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watchmaking, glass manufacturing, ceramics, abrasive materials, and as gemstones or mineral specimens for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every type of rock environment.
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