Mineral / Metamorphic
Quartz / Quartzite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to off-white, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to off-white, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or by the precipitation from hydrothermal veins. Quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone is subjected to high heat and pressure.
Uses & applications
Used in construction as aggregate, in glass manufacturing, within electronic devices for its piezoelectric properties, and as a semi-precious gemstone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and beaches worldwide.
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