mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically white, clear, or stained with iron oxides (brown/yellow), vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a 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, typically white, clear, or stained with iron oxides (brown/yellow), vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, and a specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly as a primary mineral in felsic igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in electronics, glass manufacturing, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental carvings.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals on Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identifiable in the field by its distinctive conchoidal fracture, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass due to its hardness of 7.
More like this
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