mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to white; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Clear to white
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to white; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), glass-making, abrasives, construction (sand), and as gemstones in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass), conchoidal fracture (curved surfaces), and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost every geological setting.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic