mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7, white to off-white opaque color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7, white to off-white opaque color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, granitic pegmatites, and as a primary constituent of various igneous and metamorphic rocks across many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as a common collector specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but impurities often give it white, pink, or smoky hues as seen here.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and typical conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide in riverbeds and mountainous terrain.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic