mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from clear/white to pink/brown/grey, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65

Identified July 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from clear/white to pink/brown/grey, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, frequently crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary component of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (oscillators, quartz clocks), glass manufacturing, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental items

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals found on Earth's continental crust; piezoelectric quartz is used to convert mechanical stress into electrical voltage and vice versa

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture; found worldwide in almost every rock type