mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to white color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to white color, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in all rock types—igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary—often precipitating from hydrothermal solutions or crystallizing from silica-rich magma
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, optics, glassmaking, abrasive materials, and as a gemstone or collector mineral
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge under mechanical stress
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage; found globally in nearly every geological environment
More like this
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
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral