mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors vary widely including clear, white, gray, purple, pink, brown, and yellow. Vitreous (glass-like) luster. Trigonal crystal system. Conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Colors vary widely including clear, white, gray, purple, pink, brown, and yellow. Vitreous (glass-like) luster. Trigonal crystal system. Conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, in hydrothermal veins, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks like sandstone. Geological age ranges from Precambrian to recent.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasives, and as gemstones or lapidary material in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals found at Earth's surface. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinct hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide in almost all rock types.
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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