mineral
White Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Often crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in gemstone and lapidary arts, decorative items, glassmaking, electronics, and oscillators.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust, surpassed only by feldspar. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential in modern electronics for precise timekeeping.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Common worldwide, frequently found in riverbeds and mineral shops.
