Quartz
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Quartz is the second most common mineral found on Earth being the primary component of sand. More accurately known as silicon dioxide, quartz has a chemical composition of SiO2 arranged in a repeating lattice forming hexagonal crystals. Pure quartz is clear, but colored variations are created because of impurities in the crystal. Quartz is number 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Quartz is used in a number of applications; most commonly in glass making but also abrasives, electrical components or decorative gemstones especially if colored by impurities.
| Quartz | |
|---|---|
| |
| Chemical name | Silicon dioxide |
| Chemical formula | SiO2 |
| Identification | |
| Colors | Clear (with no impurities) |
| Crystal habit | 6-sided prism ending in 6-sided pyramid |
| Crystal system | rhombohedral |
| Cleavage | None |
| Fracture | Conchoidal |
| Hardness | 7 |
| Name origin | German "Quarz". |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 |
| Streak | White |