Quartz
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Mineral NameQuartz
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, white, gray
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWorldwide (ubiquitous)
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesindustrial, construction, abrasives, gemstone, electronics
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, micas, clay minerals, iron oxides
Raritycommon
Description
This microscopic image displays clear, anhedral to subhedral mineral grains, characteristic of quartz, within a rock thin section. The grains are cemented by a reddish-brown matrix, likely composed of iron oxides, and some grains exhibit internal speckling or a faint blue-gray hue.
Geological Context
Quartz is one of the most common rock-forming minerals, highly resistant to weathering, making it a primary constituent of clastic sedimentary rocks like sandstone, as well as igneous and metamorphic rocks.
