mineral
Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Colorless (Milky Quartz), Luster: Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Colorless (Milky Quartz), Luster: Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in various environments ranging from igneous to metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in electronics (oscillators), glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry (gemstones), and as a structural component in construction (sand and gravel).
Geological facts
Quartz is piezoelectric, meaning it generates an electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress. This property led to its use in the first reliable clocks and watches.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness 7) and its lack of cleavage. Found worldwide in nearly every geological setting.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic