mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color is predominantly white to translucent. Luster is vitreous to greasy. Crystal system is trigonal. Conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage. Specific gravity is 2.65.

Identified August 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics, oscillators, glass manufacture, abrasive materials, and as a popular gemstone or mineral specimen for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its characteristic high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every geological setting.