mineral
Quartz
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture. Often appears clear, milky, or colored by impurities.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture. Often appears clear, milky, or colored by impurities.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, crystallizing from silica-rich magma or precipitating from hydrothermal solutions.
Uses & applications
Widely used in glassmaking, electronics, optics, abrasives, and as a popular gemstone or collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential in clocks and radios.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral