mineral
Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Variable (clear, pink/orange, pale green/yellow seen here); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Variable (clear, pink/orange, pale green/yellow seen here)
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Variable (clear, pink/orange, pale green/yellow seen here); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly by cooling from molten rock (igneous) or precipitating from hot hydrothermal veins. It can be found in rocks from virtually all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction as an abrasive, and as gemstones in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These specific specimens appear to be water-worn pebbles, likely collected from a river or beach.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds and mountainous terrain globally.
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Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous