Quartz

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to opaque, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, and exhibits conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.

Formed in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal veins.

Used extensively in electronics, glassmaking, abrasives, oscillators, and gemstone or ornamental jewelry carving.

Quartz is one of the most abundant and ubiquitous minerals found in the Earth's continental crust. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, generating an electric charge under mechanical stress.

Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic hexagonal crystal prisms when well-formed. Found globally in almost every geological setting.