mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, white, colorless, or various shades depending on impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Gray, white, colorless, or various shades depending on impurities; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 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.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watchmaking, optical instruments, glass manufacturing, and as gemstones or decorative mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust and exhibits strong piezoelectric properties, making it essential for modern electronics.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide.
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