mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: Colorless (Clear), Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: Colorless (Clear), Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms from silicon and oxygen rich fluids in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watches, glassmaking, abrasive materials, jewelry, and crystal healing.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hexagonal crystal habit, lack of cleavage, glass luster, and hardness sufficient to scratch glass. Found worldwide, with notable deposits in Brazil, the USA, and the Alps.
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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary