mineral
Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 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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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous