mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered)

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal solutions. It is found in all rock types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in construction (sand/aggregate), glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as a gemstone or decorative collector's piece.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles in rivers and on beaches.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. This specimen appears to be a river-worn or weathered quartz cobble. Common in riverbeds, gravel pits, and mountain ranges worldwide.