mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, and trigonal crystal system with conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, transparent to translucent with a vitreous luster, and trigonal crystal system with conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the crystallization of silica-rich solutions or magmas over geological timescales.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassmaking, precision instruments, and as a popular gemstone and ornamental mineral.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage; found globally in nearly all geological settings.
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