mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white (milky); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless to white (milky)
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white (milky); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins; occurs in all temperatures and environments from igneous to metamorphic rocks throughout earth's history.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry, gemstones, and abrasive materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage, and its characteristic greasy-to-glassy luster. Frequently found in riverbeds, gravel pits, and mountainous regions.
