mineral
Quartz
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White/clear with orange/iron staining. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished or wet). Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White/clear with orange/iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when polished or wet)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White/clear with orange/iron staining. Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished or wet). Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide range of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often precipitates from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in fractures or cavities.
Uses & applications
Widely used in glassmaking, abrasives, foundry sand, petroleum industry, electronics (oscillators), and as a gemstone or ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The orange/brown staining is typically iron oxide (limonite or hematite).
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Very common in many environments, often found as river stones or beach pebbles.
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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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous