mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 7, colorless or white, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7, colorless or white, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Formed via crystallization from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions and magma, or deposited in sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassmaking, abrasives, and as a popular gemstone in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, inability to be scratched by steel, and distinct conchoidal fracture; found worldwide.
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
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous