mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal system. Color ranges from clear and white to smoky, pink, or purple.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal system. Color ranges from clear and white to smoky, pink, or purple.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and magma.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassmaking, abrasive powders, and as gemstones or ornamental carvings in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits strong piezoelectric properties, making it useful in watches and electronics.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found globally in almost all types of geological formations.
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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
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous