mineral

Rock crystal quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically colorless to milky-white, transparent to translucent, with a vitreous luster and no cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The irregular broken surface suggests a natural quartz fragment rather than a complete crystal.

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, igneous melts, and metamorphic or sedimentary environments across geologic time. The specimen’s small size and lack of visible crystal faces prevent precise age or locality assignment.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone; clear crystals are collected or used ornamentally. This small, cloudy fragment has little jewelry value unless exceptionally clear or from a documented locality.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is a major component of granite, sandstone, and many metamorphic rocks. It commonly shows conchoidal fracture and may develop six-sided prismatic crystals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, hardness greater than ordinary steel, and ability to scratch window glass. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, pegmatites, geodes, and river gravels.