quartzcontaining

Quartz-containing refers to any material or substance that includes quartz, a mineral consisting of silicon dioxide (SiO2), as a constituent. Quartz occurs in a wide range of textures and forms, from well-formed crystals to fine-grained aggregates, and is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth’s crust. Its presence influences the properties of the containing material, including hardness and durability.

In geology, numerous rocks are quartz-containing. Quartz sandstone and chert are built largely from quartz grains or microcrystalline quartz. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock derived from quartz-rich sandstone. Many igneous rocks, such as granites and rhyolites, contain visible quartz crystals and contribute to the rock’s silica content.

Quartz-containing materials are widely used in industry and construction. Silica sand and crushed quartz serve as aggregates in concrete and as raw material for glass, ceramics, and refractories. High-purity quartz and fused silica are essential for electronics, optics, and laboratory equipment due to their chemical stability and thermal properties.

Quartz itself is hard and chemically inert, with a Mohs hardness of 7. However, crystalline silica dust can pose health risks when inhaled, particularly in occupational settings. Proper controls and exposure limits are employed to mitigate these hazards in industries handling quartz-containing materials. See also related terms such as silica, silica sand, and quartzite for further context.