mineral
White Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from milky white to colorless, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore White Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, color ranges from milky white to colorless, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatites, as well as hydrothermal veins and sedimentary deposits.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, oscillators, glassmaking, abrasives, and as a semi-precious gemstone or mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant and widely distributed minerals found on Earth's surface. It exhibits piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in almost every geological setting.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral