Intriguing minerals: quartz and its polymorphic modifications

This lecture text condenses the characteristics of quartz and its rich palette of varieties. The mineralogy and crystallography of quartz and its forms, the origin of its colors, and their important physical and chemical characteristics are discussed. The geological occurrence of quartz and its varieties in the world is also presented, with special attention to North Macedonia. Their applications in various industries are also included. Knowledge of the specific properties of SiO 2 minerals is indispensable for understanding and reconstruction of geological processes, as well as for specific technical applications.