Event Title
Properties and Uses of Quartz
Location
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Start Date
1-5-2014 2:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 3:00 PM
Project Type
Poster
Description
Quartz, as the second most abundant mineral on Earth, makes up 12% of the crusts mass. Its structure consists of silicon tetrahedra arranged in an interlocking, spiral pattern that forms parallel to the c-axis. Quartz belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and is most commonly shaped like a prism with two rhombohedra on either end. The robust structure of quartz makes it resistant to weathering and chemical erosion, making it one of the most stable minerals. With its wide array of polymorphs, quartz has many uses technologically and commercially, from high end watch faces and gemstones to abrasives, glass making and oscillator plates for radios. Since quartz properties change depending on pressure and temperature conditions, it provides useful information about geological processes.
Faculty Sponsor
Tasha Dunn
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Geology Dept.
CLAS Field of Study
Natural Sciences
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
670
Properties and Uses of Quartz
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Quartz, as the second most abundant mineral on Earth, makes up 12% of the crusts mass. Its structure consists of silicon tetrahedra arranged in an interlocking, spiral pattern that forms parallel to the c-axis. Quartz belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and is most commonly shaped like a prism with two rhombohedra on either end. The robust structure of quartz makes it resistant to weathering and chemical erosion, making it one of the most stable minerals. With its wide array of polymorphs, quartz has many uses technologically and commercially, from high end watch faces and gemstones to abrasives, glass making and oscillator plates for radios. Since quartz properties change depending on pressure and temperature conditions, it provides useful information about geological processes.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/311