mineral

Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: typically colorless, white, or cloudy; Luster: vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: typically colorless, white, or cloudy
Luster: vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found in all geological environments and across all geological ages, from the Precambrian to the present.

Uses & applications

Extensively used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction sand, and as a popular gemstone or collecting specimen in various colors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is a 'piezoelectric' material, meaning it generates an electric charge when mechanical pressure is applied, making it vital for watches and clocks.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and its characteristic conchoidal fracture. Often found in veins or as a major component of granite.