Kvartsirühma

Kvartsirühma is an Estonian term that translates to "quartz group." It is commonly used in the context of geology and mineralogy to refer to a classification of minerals belonging to the quartz family. Quartz itself is a crystalline mineral composed of silicon and oxygen atoms in a framework of silicon dioxide (SiO2). The quartz group encompasses a variety of distinct mineral species, all sharing this fundamental silicon dioxide structure but differing in their crystal system, habit, and physical properties.

Key members of the quartz group include alpha-quartz, which is stable at room temperature and pressure, and beta-quartz, which forms at higher temperatures. Other important varieties, often distinguished by their color and clarity, are also considered part of the quartz group. These include amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow to orange), smoky quartz (brown to black), rose quartz (pink), and milky quartz (white and opaque). These variations arise from impurities or structural defects within the silicon dioxide lattice.

The quartz group minerals are among the most abundant in the Earth's crust. They are found in a wide range of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. Their hardness, durability, and piezoelectric properties make them valuable in various industrial applications, such as in the manufacturing of glass, electronics, and jewelry. The study of the quartz group is fundamental to understanding rock formation and mineral resources.