mineral

Rough Quartz (Clear Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless to white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless to white/translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

Explore Rough Quartz (Clear Quartz) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the cooling of silica-rich magma or through hydrothermal activity where silica-enriched water deposits the mineral in rock veins or cavities. It is found across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (as piezoelectric oscillators), glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry (as semi-precious stones), and widely collected as metaphysical or decorative specimens.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to both chemical and physical weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most beach sand.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage (it breaks like glass in curved shells), and its characteristic hexagonal crystal points if crystal faces are present. Commonly found in granite, sandstone, and vein deposits.