
mineral
Quartz Chip
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/glassy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of magma or hydrothermal activity. Found in various geological ages ranging from billions of years old to recent quaternary deposits.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a raw material for gemstones and jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is a major component of sand and granite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, mountains, and beaches worldwide.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic