mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color is typically white, colorless, or various shades depending on impurities. Luster is vitreous (glassy). Crystal system is trigonal. Conchoidal fracture with no true 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. Color is typically white, colorless, or various shades depending on impurities. Luster is vitreous (glassy). Crystal system is trigonal. Conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widespread minerals on Earth's continental crust. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), vitreous luster, and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide in almost all rock types.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral