mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless to white, gray, purple, pink, brown, or yellow, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, poor cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless to white, gray, purple, pink, brown, or yellow, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, poor cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is a primary component of granites, pegmatites, and sandstones, crystallizing out of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics (oscillators, oscillators in watches), glass manufacturing, abrasives, construction materials, 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 in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Found globally in almost every type of geological terrain.
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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)
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral