mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 7, white to off-white opaque color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
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.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary