mineral
White Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: White, milky, or colorless. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal, commonly forming hexagonal prisms. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- White, milky, or colorless
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: White, milky, or colorless. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal, commonly forming hexagonal prisms. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in a wide variety of geological environments, commonly precipitating from hydrothermal veins, crystallizing from silica-rich magma in pegmatites, and as a primary component of sedimentary rocks like sandstone. Can date from any geological era.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of glass, electronics, oscillators, abrasives, gemstones, and ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals found in the Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its white color from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost all rock types.
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