mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to white color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to white color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of temperature and pressure conditions, commonly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and oscillators
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage; found worldwide
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Septarian Pebble
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral