mineral

Clear Quartz Crystal (Rock Crystal)

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Colorless/Transparent
Luster: Vitreous (glass-like)

Identified April 28, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Colorless/Transparent; Luster: Vitreous (glass-like); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in veins, geodes, and pegmatites. It can be found in rocks of all ages across the globe.

Uses & applications

Used in electronics (oscillators), glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry (as a gemstone), and widely collected for metaphysical purposes or home decor.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its piezoelectric properties allow it to generate an electric charge under mechanical stress, which is why it is used in watches.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), hexagonal crystal points, and lack of cleavage planes. Found in mountainous regions, riverbeds, and as a primary component of many igneous rocks like granite.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral