mineral

Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Clear to milky white
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Clear to milky white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from cooling magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in rocks of all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry, gemstones, and as an abrasive in industry.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It occurs in many varieties like amethyst, citrine, and smoky quartz. It is chemically and physically very resistant to weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (can scratch glass), its lack of cleavage, and its characteristic glassy luster. It is found globally in almost every geological environment.