mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to milky or slightly brownish color, vitreous luster, hexagonal 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, clear to milky or slightly brownish color, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most notably in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, glassware, abrasives, precision instruments, and gemstone or decorative jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals found in the Earth's continental crust and exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost all rock types.
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Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral