mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal system with colors ranging from clear to milky white or brown.
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, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal system with colors ranging from clear to milky white or brown.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through cooling magma or precipitation from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassmaking, precision instruments, and gemstone jewelry.
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 (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture; found globally in nearly all geological settings.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Limonite
FeO(OH)•nH2O
mineral
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Feldspar
Feldspar Group (Tectosilicate, e.g., KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous