mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white to clear or translucent color; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale; white to clear or translucent color; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal system; conchoidal fracture; specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or magmas.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasive materials, gemstone jewelry, and decorative objects.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals found on Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and typical conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide.
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Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral