Quartz

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the Earth&#;s crust. As a mineral name, quartz refers to a specific chemical compound (silicon dioxide, or silica, SiO2), having a specific crystalline form (hexagonal). It is found in all forms of rock: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Quartz is physically and chemically resistant to weathering. When quartz-bearing rocks become weathered and eroded, the grains of resistant quartz are concentrated in the soil, in rivers, and on beaches. The white sands typically found in river beds and on beaches are usually composed mainly of quartz, with some white or pink feldspar as well.

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Type

Mineral

Mineral Classification

Silicate

Chemical Formula

SiO2

Streak

White

Mohs Hardness

7

Crystal System

hexagonal

Color

Pure quartz is clear. Color variance due to impurities: purple (amethyst), white (milky quartz), black (smoky quartz), pink (rose quartz) and yellow or orange (citrine).

Luster

vitreous, waxy, dull

Fracture

conchoidal

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Description

Quartz is one of the most common minerals in the Earth&#;s crust. As a mineral name, quartz refers to a specific chemical compound (silicon dioxide, or silica, SiO2), having a specific crystalline form (hexagonal). It is found is all forms of rock: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Quartz is physically and chemically resistant to weathering. When quartz-bearing rocks become weathered and eroded, the grains of resistant quartz are concentrated in the soil, in rivers, and on beaches. The white sands typically found in river beds and on beaches are usually composed mainly of quartz, with some white or pink feldspar as well.

Relation to Mining

Quartz crystal is found in many countries and many geologic environments. Major producers of natural quartz crystals are the United States (particularly Arkansas) and Brazil. Natural quartz is rarely used as found in nature (especially in electrical applications), except as a gemstone. Natural quartz crystals have too many chemical impurities and physical flaws. As a result, a commercial process of manufacturing pure, flawless, electronics-grade quartz was developed. &#;Cultured quartz,&#; that is, quartz crystals grown very carefully in highly controlled laboratory conditions, is the quartz that is used in industry. About 200 metric tons of cultured quartz is produced each year. In the production of cultured quartz crystals, a &#;seed crystal&#; is needed. A seed crystal is a small piece of carefully selected, non-electronics-grade quartz. The manufactured crystal grows on this seed crystal.

Uses

Quartz crystal is one of several minerals which are piezoelectric, meaning that when pressure is applied to quartz, a positive electrical charge is created at one end of the crystal and a negative electrical charge is created at the other. These properties make quartz valuable in electronics applications. Electronics-grade manufactured quartz is used in a large number of circuits for consumer electronics products such as computers, cell phones, televisions, radios, electronic games, etc. It is also used to make frequency control devices and electronic filters that remove defined electromagnetic frequencies.

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals found in the earth's crust. This mineral, composed of crystalline silica, can be found all around the world. Here are the major places where quartz deposits and crystals are found:

The United States

Significant quartz deposits are found across many states in the U.S. Some of the top locations include:

• Arkansas &#; Quartz is the official state mineral of Arkansas. The Ouachita Mountains contain quartz crystal deposits. Mount Ida is known as the "Quartz Crystal Capital of the World."
• California &#; Large quartz crystal deposits have been found in Northern California. Some of the top sites are in Modoc County, Madera County, and along the Central Valley.
• Texas &#; The Llano Uplift region contains quartz crystals up to 3 feet long. Mason County is another top site. Quartz sands are also mined in Texas for making glass and silicon metals.
• Oklahoma &#; Quartz Mountain in southwestern Oklahoma was named for its rose quartz deposits. The state designated quartz as its official state rock in .

Other states with significant quartz resources include Georgia, Maine, Missouri, New York, and South Dakota.

Brazil

Brazil contains some of the largest quartz crystal mines in the world. Significant deposits have been discovered in the states of Goias and Minas Gerais. The most prized crystals come from the region around Teofilo Otoni. Some quartz clusters from Brazil can weigh over 100 pounds!

The unique geologic conditions allow huge quartz crystals to form in cave-like voids within the host rocks. Clear quartz, smoky quartz, and amethyst crystals are all mined in Brazil. The largest cut amethyst gemstone came from Brazil, weighing in at over 35,000 carats!

Asia

Asia contains many significant quartz deposits due to the abundance of granite and pegmatite host rocks. Important quartz mining locations include:

• Sri Lanka &#; Known for mining high-quality gems, Sri Lanka also produces quartz crystals. The best material comes from Ratnapura and Balangoda.
• India &#; Major quartz resources have been found in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Colored quartz crystals are abundant.
• Japan &#; Large quartz crystals come from Daisen in the Tottori Prefecture. Purple amethyst quartz is common.
• China &#; The Yunnan province contains crystals over 6 feet long. Quartz is also mined in Hubei, Jiangsu, and Sichuan.

Europe

Europe was once one of the top producers of quartz until deposits in Brazil and Asia were discovered. Today, significant quartz mining is done in:

• The Alps Mountains &#; Located along the borders of Austria, Italy, and Switzerland. Famous for clear "rock crystals."
• Scotland &#; Tobermory on the Isle of Mull has a long history of quartz mining. Crystals still be found along ancient geological faults.
• France &#; The Massif Central mountains contain veins of quartz running through granite. Citrine and smoky quartz crystals are abundant.

While quartz can be found all over the world, the major deposits containing exceptionally large and flawless crystals only occur in a few select locations with ideal geologic conditions. The quest for perfect quartz specimens continues, with new deposits still being uncovered today.

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