Sand (predominantly Quartz)
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Mineral NameSand (predominantly Quartz)
Chemical FormulaSiO2
Mohs Hardness7
Crystal Systemtrigonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavagenone
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorscolorless, white, yellowish, brownish, grey, pinkish
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityWorldwide
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesconstruction material, glass manufacturing, abrasives, filtration
Associated Mineralsfeldspar, mica, heavy minerals, rock fragments
Raritycommon
Description
A magnified view of numerous individual sand grains, ranging from sub-angular to well-rounded, displaying a variety of colors including colorless, white, yellowish, brownish, and grey, with some grains showing internal fractures or inclusions.
Geological Context
Sand is a clastic sedimentary material formed by the weathering and erosion of pre-existing rocks, primarily quartz-rich igneous and metamorphic rocks. These grains are transported and deposited by agents like water and wind in environments such as rivers, beaches, and deserts.
