mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colorless or white, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, colorless or white, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most notably in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins and sedimentary environments as sandstone or chert.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental objects.
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 electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy luster. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic