mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and no cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal solutions.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in electronics, glassmaking, oscillators, and as a popular gemstone for jewelry and ornamentation.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits strong piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Identified easily by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture, commonly found worldwide in pegmatites and sandstones.
