Final answer:
Quartz is a mineral with a non-metallic, glassy luster and a Mohs hardness of 7. It lacks cleavage, often breaks with a fracture, and can appear in various colors, typically clear or smoky. Its composition is primarily silicon dioxide (SiO2).
Step-by-step explanation:
For the mineral quartz, the following characteristics can be identified:
- Luster: Quartz has a non-metallic luster that gives it a glassy appearance.
- Hardness: Quartz is very hard, with a Mohs hardness of 7, which means it is capable of scratching glass.
- Breakage: Quartz does not have a cleavage, meaning it does not break along flat planes. Instead, it fractures, typically resulting in irregular shapes.
- Color: Quartz can come in a variety of colors, but it is most commonly clear or smoky in appearance.
- Composition: The composition of quartz is primarily silicon dioxide (SiO2), and it typically occurs as irregular, glassy grains.