mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal system. Color ranges from clear to white, yellow, or brown due to impurities.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal system. Color ranges from clear to white, yellow, or brown due to impurities.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the crystallization of silica-rich fluids or cooling magma, spanning all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassmaking, precision instruments, gemstones, and ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential for regulating frequency in electronic devices.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every geological setting.
