mineral
Rock Crystal Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7, colorless and transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7, colorless and transparent, vitreous luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling and precipitation of silica-rich fluids over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Widely utilized in jewelry, electronics for oscillators, optical lenses, and prized by mineral collectors worldwide.
Geological facts
Ancient civilizations believed rock crystal was permanently frozen ice sent from the heavens. It exhibits piezoelectric properties under mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness, hexagonal prism habit, and lack of cleavage. Found globally, notably in Brazil, Arkansas, and the Alps.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous