mineral

Small quartz fragment (tentative)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

The tiny angular, pale translucent fragment appears glassy with irregular fracture and no visible cleavage; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, and a trigonal crystal structure. Identification is limited by the image size and lighting.

Identified September 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in igneous, hydrothermal, and sedimentary environments over a wide range of geological ages, commonly crystallizing from silica-rich fluids or magmas. This may simply be a broken mineral fragment rather than a complete crystal.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive crystals are collected or used as gemstones. This fragment has negligible commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and shows conchoidal fracture rather than cleavage. A steel knife should not scratch it, while quartz can scratch ordinary window glass.

Field identification & locations

Look for transparent-to-white color, vitreous luster, six-sided crystal faces, and hardness near 7; test only if appropriate and permitted. Common worldwide, especially in veins, granites, pegmatites, and sandstones.