mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: Colorless to white, gray, yellow, brown, or pink, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale, Color: Colorless to white, gray, yellow, brown, or pink, Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal System: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rocks.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics (quartz crystal oscillators), glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), vitreous luster, lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every type of geological environment.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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