mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white, translucent, or colorless color; vitreous to greasy luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified August 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white, translucent, or colorless color; vitreous to greasy luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.

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, glassmaking, abrasive materials, gemstone carving, and mineral collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, generating an electric charge under mechanical stress.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified in the field by its characteristic hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and glassy luster. Found globally in almost all rock types.