mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (clear, white, gray, brown, yellowish); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Varies widely (clear, white, gray, brown, yellowish)
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Varies widely (clear, white, gray, brown, yellowish); Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics, oscillators, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental items.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, after feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. 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