mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on Mohs scale, typically colorless or milky white, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale, typically colorless or milky white, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, and conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide range of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, often crystallizing from hydrothermal veins.
Uses & applications
Widely used in electronics, glassmaking, precision instruments, abrasive materials, and as a popular gemstone or collector specimen.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and ubiquitous minerals in Earth's continental crust, exhibiting piezoelectric properties.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage; found globally on every continent.
