mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7; varies in color from clear and white to smoky, pink, or yellowish; vitreous (glassy) luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7; varies in color from clear and white to smoky, pink, or yellowish; vitreous (glassy) luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly crystallizing from silica-rich magmas and hydrothermal veins, as well as precipitating in sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasive materials, countertops, and as gemstones or mineral specimens for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Its piezoelectric properties make it invaluable in electronic timekeeping devices.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide 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
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral