Quartz
Image: Georges Jansoone (CC BY 2.5)
Mineral NameQuartz
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, white
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWorldwide, commonly found in Portugal
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, industrial, collector, electronic components
Associated Mineralsmagnetite, feldspar, mica
Raritycommon
Description
The image displays a cluster of clear, prismatic, terminated crystals, characteristic of hyaline quartz (rock crystal). Some dark inclusions, possibly magnetite as indicated by the label, are visible within the crystals.
Geological Context
Quartz is a fundamental rock-forming mineral, crystallizing from various geological processes including hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous intrusions, as well as forming in metamorphic and sedimentary environments.
