mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from clear/white to rose, smoky, or yellowish-brown due to impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from clear/white to rose, smoky, or yellowish-brown due to impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassware, abrasives, gemstones, and decorative items.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Found globally in almost 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