What are common uses of the mineral quartz?
Quartz is a very common mineral and is used in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most common uses of quartz:
1. Jewelry: Quartz is popular for use in jewelry due to its hardness and beauty. It is often set in rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
2. Electronics: Quartz is used as a component in electronic devices such as watches, oscillators, filters, and resonators due to its ability to vibrate at a precise frequency.
3. Construction: Quartz is used as a construction material in the form of sand and gravel. It is also used as a filler in concrete, and as an abrasive in sandblasting.
4. Glass Production: Quartz is a key component in the production of glass. It is crushed and added to the mixture during the glass-making process to help the glass melt at a lower temperature and to strengthen it.
5. Ceramics and Pottery: Quartz is used as an ingredient in the production of ceramics and pottery. It is added to the clay to help control shrinkage during firing and to increase the strength of the final product.
6. Gemstones: Quartz is also used as a gemstone, often sold under the name "rock crystal." It can be found in a range of colors, from clear to smoky gray to purple.
These are some of the most common uses of quartz.