mineral

Raw quartz crystal cluster

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), likely included or iron-stained quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to honey-brown, with vitreous luster and irregular intergrown crystal faces. Quartz is trigonal, lacks cleavage, and has specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to honey-brown, with vitreous luster and irregular intergrown crystal faces. Quartz is trigonal, lacks cleavage, and has specific gravity about 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or groundwater deposited quartz in cavities, veins, or fractures; the specimen’s exact geological age cannot be determined from the image. Brown coloration likely comes from iron-oxide inclusions or surface staining.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; attractive clusters are sold as display specimens. This piece has modest decorative rather than gemstone value.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly forms six-sided prismatic crystals, though this specimen appears heavily intergrown and partly weathered. Its glassy luster and resistance to scratching help distinguish it from calcite or gypsum.

Field identification & locations

Likely locations include hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, geodes, and quartz-rich sedimentary rocks worldwide. Test cautiously: it should scratch ordinary glass, while a steel knife should not scratch it; avoid relying on color alone.