mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and no cleavage.
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 of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and no cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of silica-rich solutions or magma.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in electronics, glassmaking, precision instruments, and gemstone jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals found in the Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, lack of cleavage, and characteristic conchoidal fracture; found globally in veins, pegmatites, and sandstones.
