mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Clear, white, gray, smoky, pink, purple, etc. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Clear, white, gray, smoky, pink, purple, etc
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Clear, white, gray, smoky, pink, purple, etc. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (exhibits conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is a major constituent of granite, sandstone, and pegmatites, precipitating from hydrothermal veins and silica-rich solutions.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators, watches), glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and construction materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Its piezoelectric properties make it invaluable for modern electronics.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every type of geological terrain.
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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
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral