Quartz
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameQuartz
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsclear, brown, smoky
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalitySkardu, Skardu District, Baltistan, Gilgit-Baltistan
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, industrial, collector
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, mica, tourmaline, garnet
Raritycommon
Description
A large, elongated, somewhat rough crystal of quartz, appearing translucent to transparent with a light brownish or smoky hue, held in a hand.
Geological Context
Quartz is a common rock-forming mineral found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It crystallizes from magma and hydrothermal solutions, often forming large crystals in pegmatites and veins.
