mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 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.
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 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.
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
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary