mineral
Quartz (Milky/Common)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to translucent/gray; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); SG: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- white to translucent/gray
- Luster
- vitreous (glassy) to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to translucent/gray; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); SG: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments; commonly found in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. This specimen likely weathered out of a vein and was tumbled by water.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which has Slavic origins.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Look for it in riverbeds, beaches, and mountain trails worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral