mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or light brown/gray in color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or light brown/gray in color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal 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 in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks due to its high resistance to weathering.
Uses & applications
Used widely in glassmaking, electronics, oscillators, abrasives, gemstones, and construction materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals found on Earth's continental crust. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential for electronic timing devices.
Field identification & locations
Easily identifiable in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.
More like this
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