mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless, white, yellow, pink, purple, gray; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Colorless, white, yellow, pink, purple, gray
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless, white, yellow, pink, purple, gray; 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, watches, glassmaking, abrasives, and as gemstones or ornamental specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and vitreous luster. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.
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