mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron oxide (orange/brown) staining; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron oxide (orange/brown) staining; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Often crystallizes from cooling magma or precipitates from hydrothermal veins. This specimen likely comes from a hydrothermal vein.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (oscillators), glassmaking, abrasives, construction as an aggregate, and widely collected as mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as veins within host rocks like granite or schists.
