mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through crystallization from silica-rich fluids and magmas.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassmaking, abrasives, and as a popular gemstone and crystal specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits strong piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, conchoidal fracture, and lack of reactivity with acids; found globally in nearly all geological settings.
