mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to colorless (milky); Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: white to colorless (milky)
Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: white to colorless (milky); Luster: vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms through crystallization of cooling magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in glassmaking, abrasives, foundry sand, hydraulic fracturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as a gemstone/ornamental stone.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically very stable and resistant to weathering, which is why it is the primary component of most beach sands.

Field identification & locations

Field identification involves testing for hardness (it will scratch glass) and looking for a glassy luster with no cleavage. It can be found nearly worldwide in varying quantities and quality.