mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white, translucent, or colorless with a vitreous to greasy luster; hexagonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white, translucent, or colorless with a vitreous to greasy luster; hexagonal 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 extensively in electronics, glass manufacturing, abrasives, gemstones, and countertops.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential for keeping time in watches and electronic devices.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy luster. Common worldwide in almost every geological setting.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral