mineral
Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: colorless to cloudy white/tan in this specimen; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- colorless to cloudy white/tan in this specimen
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: colorless to cloudy white/tan in this specimen; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins. This specimen appears to be a massive variety or a weathered crystal point from a vein deposit.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for piezoelectric properties, glassmaking, construction as sand, and as a gemstone or collector specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both mechanical and chemical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Found globally in almost all geological environments.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous