mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white or colorless, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It is a common component of pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often crystallizing from silica-rich solutions.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassware, precision instruments, gemstones, countertops, and abrasive materials.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Due to its piezoelectric properties, it is widely used in watches and electronics to generate a frequency with high precision.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.
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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
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic