mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 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

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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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.