mineral

Rough Quartz (Smoky or Citrine variant)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellowish-brown to tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy (rough surface); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellowish-brown to tan
Luster: Vitreous to greasy (rough surface)

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. Often found in pegmatites or metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a popular specimen for collectors and healing crystal enthusiasts.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. If treated with heat, smoky quartz can turn into the yellow citrine variety.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture patterns on the surface. Found globally in mountainous regions.

Other mineral specimens

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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