mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. Color is typically white or transparent, sometimes with impurities. Luster is vitreous (glassy). Crystal structure is trigonal. Cleavage is none (it exhibits conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity is 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. Color is typically white or transparent, sometimes with impurities. Luster is vitreous (glassy). Crystal structure is trigonal. Cleavage is none (it exhibits conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity is 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most notably in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins and sedimentary rocks (sandstone).
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics (oscillators, quartz clocks), glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones, and decorative items.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. It is found worldwide on every continent.
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral