mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from clear/white to various shades of pink, purple, or brown, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from clear/white to various shades of pink, purple, or brown, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, in hydrothermal veins, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasives, gemstone carving, and ornamental jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every geological setting.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic