mineral
Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, variable colors including brown and clear, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, variable colors including brown and clear, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through crystallization from silica-rich fluids or magma.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassmaking, precision instruments, countertops, and as a popular gemstone or mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, generating an electric charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage; found globally in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary sands.
