mineral

Quartz (Smoky/Grey Quartz Variant)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Greyish-white to tan
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified February 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Greyish-white to tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is most commonly found in igneous rocks like granite or metamorphic rocks like quartzite. It can range in geological age from Precambrian to recent formations.

Uses & applications

Used widely in glass making, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction aggregates, and as gemstones in jewelry or decorative carvings.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as sand after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of visible cleavage, and conchoidal (shell-like) fracture patterns. It is ubiquitous in mountainous regions and riverbeds worldwide.

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