mineral

White Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture with no true cleavage, specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified August 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white 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, most commonly crystallizing from silica-rich hydrothermal veins and magma chambers, as well as in pegmatites and metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Used in the manufacture of glass, electronics, optical lenses, abrasive materials, and as a popular decorative or lapidary stone for tumbling and carving.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and ubiquitous minerals found in the Earth's continental crust. Its piezoelectric properties make it essential in modern electronics for precise frequency control in watches and computers.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass easily), white color, and lack of cleavage with a conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every geological setting.