# Quartz Crystals (DD-168)

> Quartz is silicon dioxide (SiO2) and one of the most common minerals in Earth's continental crust. It forms hexagonal crystals and comes in many varieties; clear, colorless quartz is called rock crystal. Quartz is piezoelectric: mechanical stress produces an electric charge, and an applied voltage makes it flex. Quartz clocks and watches use this, driving a small crystal resonator, usually tuned to 32,768 Hz, and counting its vibrations to keep time. The footage shows quartz crystals, a demonstration spark and a watch movement, with the presenter.

- Department: Science (also Tech)
- First published: 2024-01-08
- Last updated: 2024-01-08
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/quartz-crystals/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-168-F01**: Quartz is silicon dioxide. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Silicon dioxide))_
- **DD-168-F02**: It's one of the most common minerals in the crust. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Common mineral))_

## Write-up

Squeeze a quartz crystal and it makes electricity. Quartz watches count the vibrations of a tiny crystal.

1. **Silicon dioxide**: Quartz is silicon dioxide.
2. **Common mineral**: It's one of the most common minerals in the crust.
3. **Rock crystal**: Clear quartz is called rock crystal.
4. **Piezoelectric**: Stress makes quartz produce a charge.
5. **Timekeeping**: Quartz watches count a crystal's vibrations.

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## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

## Video: Quartz Crystals: Squeeze a Quartz Crystal and It Makes Electricity

- Duration: 31.6 s · Published: 2024-01-08
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C117jvouz2I.mp4

### Transcript

Quartz is a common mineral found in the Earth's crust and comes in various forms and colors. DID YOU KNOW? One of the most well-known varieties is rock crystal quartz known for its clear and transparent appearance. Quartz crystals have a hexagonal structure and are composed of silicon and oxygen atoms. One fascinating property of quartz is its piezoelectricity. When subjected to mechanical stress or pressure quartz crystals generate a small electric charge. This property is utilized in various technologies including quartz watches where the vibrations of a quartz crystal help maintain accurate timekeeping. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What is quartz made of?**  
A: SiO2. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Silicon dioxide) · Wikipedia: Quartz)_

**Q: How common is quartz?**  
A: Among the most common minerals. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Common mineral) · Wikipedia: Quartz)_

**Q: What's clear quartz called?**  
A: Colorless and transparent. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Rock crystal) · Wikipedia: Quartz)_

**Q: What happens when quartz is squeezed?**  
A: Piezoelectricity. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Piezoelectric) · Wikipedia: Quartz; Wikipedia: Piezoelectricity)_

**Q: Where is quartz used for timing?**  
A: It vibrates at a steady rate. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Timekeeping) · Wikipedia: Quartz; Wikipedia: Piezoelectricity)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Quartz](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartz)
- [Wikipedia: Piezoelectricity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Quartz Crystals." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-168, last updated Jan 8, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/quartz-crystals/