mineral

Tumbled quartz crystal

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent to transparent pale gray-white with a vitreous luster and possible iron staining. It has a trigonal crystal structure and indistinct cleavage, but the specimen appears rounded or polished, obscuring crystal faces.

Identified August 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, igneous melts, and metamorphic veins; individual crystals range from Precambrian to modern in age. This appears human-tumbled or naturally water-worn rather than a primary crystal fragment.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and watches; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive lapidary or metaphysical specimens. Typical value is about $2–$15, rising to $20–$50 for unusually clear, well-formed material.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and forms many varieties, including amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz. Its lack of obvious cleavage and hardness help distinguish it from feldspar and calcite.

Field identification & locations

Common in quartz veins, granite pegmatites, sedimentary gravel, and metamorphic rocks worldwide, especially Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and China. Verify with a glass-scratch test and inspect for conchoidal fracture; image-only identification is approximate.