mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; color varies widely including clear, white, gray, purple; vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system; specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; color varies widely including clear, white, gray, purple; vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system; specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillators, glassware, abrasives, gemstones, and construction materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits strong piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and typical crystal habit or conchoidal fracture. Found globally.
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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