mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (often white, clear, or grey); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Varies widely (often white, clear, or grey)
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (often white, clear, or grey); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks as hydrothermal veins or pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics, optics, glassmaking, abrasives, and as gemstones in jewelry.

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 hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.