As the most abundant and widely distributed mineral on the earth's surface, of course there is quartz in my collection. I particularly like white quartz. On stoney beaches, the water tumbled white quartz stands out in the water amongst the other pebbles.
Where I was raised, the gravel roads had white quartz in them. As a child, I would go out after it rained to find it along the roadside. I remember having a whole box of it. I'm not sure where that went but I have noticed mothers don't always appreciate the things their children value.
Pure quartz is Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with impurities giving it its many colors. It's valued for its durability and for being chemically inert when in contact with most substances. In addition, it has electrical properties and heat resistance that make it important in electronic products. It also has luster, color, and diaphaneity that make it useful as a gemstone and in the making of glass.
