mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and lack of cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and lack of cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms abundantly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks through crystallization from silica-rich magmas and hydrothermal solutions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassware, precision instruments, abrasive materials, and gemstone jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, conchoidal fracture, and lack of reactivity to acid; found globally in nearly all geological environments.
