Kwarc

Kwarc is the Polish name for quartz, a mineral composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and one of the most common constituents of Earth’s continental crust. It crystallizes in the hexagonal system and typically forms six-sided prisms with pyramidal terminations, though it also occurs in massive, granular, or microcrystalline forms such as chalcedony. Varieties include amethyst (purple), citrine (yellow to orange), rose quartz (pink), smoky quartz (brown to gray), and milky quartz; related silica varieties include chalcedony, agate, and jasper.

Properties of quartz include a Mohs hardness of 7, a vitreous (glassy) luster, and a wide range of transparency from transparent to opaque. Impurities impart color or patterns, while the crystal’s structure gives quartz piezoelectric properties, meaning it can generate an electric charge under mechanical stress.

Formation and occurrence: quartz forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. It is common in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, and it can crystallize from silica-rich fluids in cavities and fractures. Quartz is extremely durable and resistant to weathering, contributing to its widespread presence in soils and rocks.

Uses: quartz is a major raw material for glassmaking and ceramics, and high-purity forms are used in electronics for quartz crystal oscillators and timing devices. It also serves as a decorative stone in jewelry and as a mineral specimen.

Distribution: quartz deposits are found worldwide, with notable sources in several continents. The mineral’s abundance and stability under a range of conditions underlie its prominence in geology and industry.