mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, colorless to white, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous luster, colorless to white, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide range of geological environments, most notably in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks as hydrothermal veins or pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used widely in electronics, glassmaking, oscillators, and as a popular gemstone or lapidary material.
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, lack of cleavage, and distinct crystal habit; found worldwide on every continent.
