mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color is typically white, milky, or colorless, but can vary. Luster is vitreous (glassy) to greasy. Crystal structure is trigonal. Conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage. Specific gravity is 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color is typically white, milky, or colorless, but can vary. Luster is vitreous (glassy) to greasy. Crystal structure is trigonal. Conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage. Specific gravity is 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is a common constituent of pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sandstones.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental objects.
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
Easily identifiable in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and characteristic vitreous luster. Found globally in almost every geological setting.
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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
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Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral