mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically colorless or pink/brown due to impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, typically colorless or pink/brown due to impurities, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, particularly as a primary component of pegmatites and hydrothermal veins
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watches, glassmaking, abrasives, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry and ornamentation
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, following feldspar. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to applied mechanical stress
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide in nearly every geological environment
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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
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral