Quartz
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Mineral NameQuartz
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, white, milky, purple, pink, brown, yellow, green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWorldwide (e.g., Brazil, Arkansas, Alps)
Mineral Groupsilicates
Usesjewelry, industrial, electronics, optics, abrasives, construction, collector
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, mica, tourmaline, beryl, garnet
Raritycommon
Description
The image showcases various forms of quartz and its derivatives, including chunks of pure white quartz, granular silicon, and finished electronic components like silicon wafers and microchips.
Geological Context
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust, forming in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It crystallizes from magma, precipitates from hydrothermal solutions, and is a major component of sandstones and quartzites.
