mineral

Raw quartz crystal

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Likely colorless to pale gray quartz with a vitreous luster and translucent appearance; Mohs hardness 7, no true cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The small specimen appears naturally crystalline, though its termination may be broken or partially weathered.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, pegmatites, and cavities in igneous or metamorphic rocks; individual crystals can form across many geological ages. Exact locality and age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone; clear crystals are collected and occasionally cut as gemstones. This small rough piece has mainly educational or specimen value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly forms six-sided prismatic crystals. Its lack of cleavage and hardness help distinguish it from many similar translucent minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by testing hardness against glass, observing its glassy luster, and checking for conchoidal fracture; avoid destructive tests if valuable. Common localities include Brazil, Madagascar, Arkansas, the Alps, and pegmatite regions worldwide.