mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless/white to various shades depending on impurities, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from colorless/white to various shades depending on impurities, vitreous (glassy) luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It crystallizes from silicate melts, hydrothermal solutions, and precipitates in sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in glassmaking, electronics, precision instruments, abrasive materials, gemstone carving, and jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Due to its piezoelectric properties, it is widely used in electronic timing devices and watches.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy luster. It can be found worldwide in almost every rock type, making it a staple for mineral collectors.
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Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
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Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral