mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale; pale greenish-yellow color; vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale; pale greenish-yellow color; vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in wide-ranging geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks through hydrothermal precipitation or crystallization from silica-rich magmas.
Uses & applications
Used widely in jewelry, electronic oscillators, glass manufacturing, and abrasive powders.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust and exhibits strong piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, conchoidal fracture, and lack of reactivity with acids; commonly found globally in river gravels and pegmatites.
