mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal system. Color varies from colorless to white, grey, or yellowish due to impurities.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal system. Color varies from colorless to white, grey, or yellowish due to impurities.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of magma, precipitation from hydrothermal solutions, or diagenesis.
Uses & applications
Widely used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and durable minerals in Earth's continental crust, exhibiting piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly all geological settings.
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
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous