mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or grey in raw forms, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or grey in raw forms, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and magma cooling processes.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watchmaking, glass manufacturing, abrasives, 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. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and characteristic glassy luster. It is found worldwide in virtually all types of rock formations.
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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
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral