There are 56 minerals that start with the letter Q. From Quadridavyne to Qylintingite. Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic solids with a defined chemical composition and a crystalline structure. They are the building blocks of rocks and are classified based on their chemical properties, crystal structure, and texture. Minerals form through a variety of geological processes, including crystallization from molten rock, precipitation from solutions, and metamorphism under high pressure and temperature. They are essential not only for geological processes but also for many industrial applications and are critical for life, serving as nutrients in biological systems.

An intriguing fact about minerals is that some larval insects use mineral particles from the environment to enhance their camouflage, adapting to their surroundings for protection against predators. This innovative use of minerals demonstrates the complex interactions between organisms and their natural habitats.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Column Name: This column indicates the specific chemical elements or compounds that make up the mineral, defining its identity and properties.

Mohs hardness: This column provides a numerical scale from 1 to 10 that ranks the hardness of the mineral based on its ability to scratch or be scratched by other substances.

Common uses: This column outlines the various applications or industries where the mineral is utilized, highlighting its practical importance in everyday life and technology.

Description: This column includes a brief overview of the mineral’s appearance, characteristics, and unique features, providing essential information for identification and understanding its role in geology and industry.

Minerals That Start With Q

Minerals chemical composition Mohs hardness common uses
Quadridavyne (Na,K)2CaCl6�2H2O 2.5-3.0(2.75) mineral specimen
Quadrillingtonite (Mg,Fe)SiO3(OH) 3.5-4.5(4.0) None
Quadrisulfide Cu4S 3.0-3.5 n/a
Quadritite Mn2+Mn3+2O4 5.5-6.0(5.75) mineral specimen
Quadrophene C16H18N2 1.0-2.0(1.5) None
Quaesitite (Ca,Na)Al4(SiO4)3(OH,Cl) 5.5-6.0(5.75) Rarely used as a collector’s specimen
Qualbertite NaMgAl(SO4)2(OH)?6H2O 2.0-3.0(2.5) None
Quantumite (Fe,Ni)Bi2(Se,Te)2 4.0-5.0(4.5) research mineral
Quarcitite SiO2 7.0-7.5(7.25) Construction material, abrasive, gemstone
Quartz Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) 7-8(7.0) Jewelry, glass, electronics, abrasives
Quartz-porphyry SiO2 6-7(6.5) Building stone
Quartzelite SiO2 6.5-7.0 n/a
Quartzine Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) 7-8(7.0) Decorative stone
Quartzolate SiO2 7.0-8.0(7.5) Gemstone, abrasive, glass production
Quartzolite SiO2 7.0-7.5(7.25) Construction material, abrasive, gemstone
Quarzazite SiO2 7.0-7.5(7.25) abrasive, construction
Quasicrystal Al-Cu-Fe 6.0-7.0(6.5) Decorative, specialty alloys
Quaspeite NaVO4 3.5-4.0(3.75) research mineral
Quatrakite Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CaO�SiO2�xH2O) 3-4(3.5) Cement, construction materials
Quatronegite Mg3Al2(SiO4)3(OH)2 5.0-6.0(5.5) None
Quebecite Sodium Aluminum Silicate Hydroxide (NaAl(SiO4)(OH)) 5.5-6(5.5) Ceramics, glass
Queenslandite Calcium Octahydrate Sulfate (CaSO4�8H2O) 2(2.0) Drywall, plaster
Queit Nickel Silicate Hydroxide (NiSiO4(OH)) 4-5(4.5) Ceramic pigments, glass
Quenstedtitane TiO2 5.5-6.5(6.0) Pigment, ceramic, refractory
Quenstedtite Iron Sulfate Hydroxide (Fe3+2(SO4)(OH)2�4-6H2O) 2-3(2.5) Pigments, water treatment
Quenstedtite (Fe,Mg)SiO3(OH) (Fe,Mg)SiO3(OH) 2.5-3.0(2.75) Mineral specimen
Quenstedtite-(Dy) (Dy,Y,REE)3(VO4)3(OH) 5.0-6.0(5.5) research mineral
Quenstedtite-(Er) (Er,Y,REE)3(VO4)3(OH) 5.0-6.0(5.5) research mineral
Quenstedtite-(Lu) (Lu,Y,REE)3(VO4)3(OH) 5.0-6.0(5.5) research mineral
Quenstedtite-(Tm) (Tm,Y,REE)3(VO4)3(OH) 5.0-6.0(5.5) research mineral
Quenstedtite-(Y) (Y,REE)3(VO4)3(OH) 5.0-6.0(5.5) research mineral
Quenstedtite-(Yb) (Yb,Y,REE)3(VO4)3(OH) 5.0-6.0(5.5) research mineral
Queonite Quifirsite Quimitinite Quindyite
Querceite Ca2Cu2+(AsO4)2�2-4H2O 3.5-4.0(3.75) mineral specimen
Quetzalcoatlite Cu2+2(AsO4)(OH) 3.5-4.0(3.75) mineral specimen
Queyrassite Vanadium Oxide Hydroxide (VO(OH)) 2.5-3(2.5) Pigments, catalysts
Quiberon Fe3+Al(PO4)(OH)2 4.0-5.0(4.5) None
Quicksilverite Mercury Sulfide (HgS) 2-2.5(2.0) Pigments, thermometers
Quindallite Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH) 3.0-3.5(3.25) mineral specimen
Quinhydrone (C6H4OH)2 2.5-3.0(2.75) mineral specimen
Quinite Pb10(VO4)6Cl2 3.5-4.0(3.75) mineral specimen
Quinitite Fe2+Fe3+2(SiO4)2(OH) 5.5-6.5(6.0) None
Quinnite Ca2Fe3+2O5 5.0-6.0 n/a
Quinochalcite Cu2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4?4-8H2O 3.5-4.5(4.0) None
Quintinite Mg6Al2(CO3)(OH)16�4H2O 2-3(2.5) Mineral specimen
Quiochistlite Cu2+2Cu+2(AsO4)2(OH)2 n/a n/a
Quipannite Cu2+Fe3+2(AsO4)2(OH)4?4-8H2O 3.5-4.5(4.0) None
Quiriquinite Fe3+O(OH) 4-5(4.5) Mineral specimen
Quitmondite (Fe,Mg)2(AsO4)2�8H2O 3.0-4.0 n/a
Quivisite Manganese Silicate (Mn2+SiO4) 5-6(5.5) Ceramics, glass
Qunzurite CuCl(OH) 3-3.5(3.25) Mineral specimen
Quoichite Cu2+2(AsO4)(OH) 3.0-4.0 n/a
Quonsetite Calcium Titanium Oxide (CaTi2O5) 5-6(5.5) Ceramic additives, refractory materials
Quortolite SiO2 7(7.0) Abrasives, building stone
Quraruite Cu2As2O7�2H2O 3-4(3.5) Mineral specimen
Qylintingite FeSO4�7H2O 2(2.0) Mineral specimen

Descriptions

Quadridavyne
A rare water-soluble chloride mineral that forms transparent to translucent crystals. It is found in evaporite deposits and is associated with other chloride minerals like halite and sylvite.
Quadrillingtonite
A rare hydrous magnesium-iron silicate mineral, typically found in serpentinized ultramafic rocks.
Quadrisulfide
A rare copper sulfide mineral found in hydrothermal veins and serpentinized ultramafic rocks. Its crystal system is tetragonal.
Quadritite
A rare manganese oxide mineral that forms steel-gray to black, metallic crystals. It is found in manganese ore deposits and is associated with other manganese minerals like pyrolusite and ramsdellite.
Quadrophene
An uncommon organic mineral composed of a hydrocarbon derivative, known for its dark purple-black color.
Quaesitite
A calcium-sodium aluminosilicate hydroxychloride mineral that forms tabular or prismatic crystals. It is found in metamorphic rocks and pegmatites.
Qualbertite
A rare sulfate mineral, typically forming as an evaporite deposit in salt-rich environments.
Quantumite
A rare bismuth selenide mineral that forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. It has a metallic luster and is often associated with other bismuth and tellurium minerals.
Quarcitite
A metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz. It is extremely hard and resistant to weathering, making it a valuable building and landscaping material.
Quartz
A common and widely distributed mineral, quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s continental crust. It occurs in many varieties and is used in a variety of applications.
Quartz-porphyry
A type of intrusive igneous rock consisting of large quartz crystals embedded in a finer-grained groundmass of quartz and feldspar.
Quartzelite
A metamorphic rock composed primarily of quartz, often with small amounts of other minerals like mica or feldspar. It forms from the recrystallization of chert, sandstone, or other silica-rich rocks.
Quartzine
A rare polymorph of quartz, quartzine is a distinct variety that forms fibrous or columnar crystals. It is mainly used as a decorative stone and in some industrial applications.
Quartzolate
A variety of quartz that exhibits a distinctive ‘quartzolated’ texture, formed by the intergrowth of quartz and another mineral.
Quartzolite
A sedimentary rock consisting predominantly of quartz grains cemented together. It is similar to quartzite but has a more granular appearance.
Quarzazite
A variety of quartz that forms dense, fine-grained aggregates. It is commonly used as a building stone, abrasive, and in the production of silica-based ceramics and glass.
Quasicrystal
A unique form of solid matter with a highly ordered, aperiodic atomic structure that does not conform to the typical crystalline patterns.
Quaspeite
A rare vanadium oxide mineral that forms as yellow to greenish-yellow crystals or masses. It is found in volcanic and sedimentary rocks and is of interest for its potential in energy storage applications.
Quatrakite
Quatrakite is a hydrous calcium silicate mineral that forms as a result of the hydration of Portland cement. It is a key component in the production of concrete and other construction materials.
Quatronegite
A rare magnesium-aluminum silicate mineral, often associated with metamorphic and ultramafic rock formations.
Quebecite
Quebecite is a rare sodium aluminum silicate hydroxide mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in granite pegmatites. It is primarily used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass.
Queenslandite
Queenslandite is a rare hydrated calcium sulfate mineral that forms colorless to white crystals or crystalline masses. It is primarily used in the production of drywall, plaster, and other construction materials.
Queit
Queit is a rare nickel silicate hydroxide mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in weathered ultramafic rocks. It is primarily used as a pigment in ceramic and glass production.
Quenstedtitane
A rare titanium oxide mineral, named after the German geologist and paleontologist Friedrich August von Quenstedt.
Quenstedtite
Quenstedtite is a rare iron sulfate hydroxide mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in iron-rich environments. It is used in the production of pigments and in water treatment processes.
Quenstedtite (Fe,Mg)SiO3(OH)
A hydrous iron-magnesium silicate mineral that forms pale green to yellowish-green fibrous or acicular crystals. It is found in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
Quenstedtite-(Dy)
A rare dysprosium vanadate mineral that forms as yellow to greenish-yellow crystals. It is found in pegmatites and other rare-earth-enriched geological environments.
Quenstedtite-(Er)
A rare erbium vanadate mineral that forms as yellow to greenish-yellow crystals. It is found in pegmatites and other rare-earth-enriched geological environments.
Quenstedtite-(Lu)
A rare lutetium vanadate mineral that forms as yellow to greenish-yellow crystals. It is found in pegmatites and other rare-earth-enriched geological environments.
Quenstedtite-(Tm)
A rare thulium vanadate mineral that forms as yellow to greenish-yellow crystals. It is found in pegmatites and other rare-earth-enriched geological environments.
Quenstedtite-(Y)
A rare yttrium vanadate mineral that forms as yellow to greenish-yellow crystals. It is found in pegmatites and other rare-earth-enriched geological environments.
Quenstedtite-(Yb)
A rare ytterbium vanadate mineral that forms as greenish-yellow to yellow crystals. It is found in pegmatites and other rare-earth-enriched geological environments.
Queonite
Quinocotteite
Querceite
A rare hydrous copper arsenate mineral that forms bright green, prismatic crystals. It is found in copper-bearing mineral deposits and is associated with other secondary copper minerals.
Quetzalcoatlite
A rare copper arsenate mineral that forms blue to green, tabular crystals. It is found in oxidized copper deposits and is associated with other secondary copper minerals.
Queyrassite
Queyrassite is a rare vanadium oxide hydroxide mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in vanadium-rich environments. It is primarily used in the production of pigments and as a catalyst in various industrial processes.
Quiberon
An uncommon iron-aluminum phosphate mineral, typically found in weathered iron-rich deposits.
Quicksilverite
Quicksilverite is a rare mercury sulfide mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in mercury-rich environments. It is primarily used in the production of pigments and was historically used in the manufacture of thermometers.
Quindallite
A rare hydrous iron arsenate mineral that forms yellowish-green, tabular crystals. It is found in oxidized iron-bearing mineral deposits and is associated with other secondary iron minerals.
Quinhydrone
A rare organic mineral that forms brown to black, crystalline masses. It is found in coal deposits and is associated with other organic-rich minerals.
Quinite
A rare lead vanadate chloride mineral that forms yellow to greenish-yellow, tabular crystals. It is found in oxidized lead-bearing mineral deposits and is associated with other secondary lead minerals.
Quinitite
A rare iron silicate mineral, typically found in metamorphosed iron-rich deposits.
Quinnite
A rare calcium iron oxide mineral that forms brown to black prismatic crystals. It is found in metamorphosed iron-rich sedimentary rocks.
Quinochalcite
An uncommon copper-iron arsenate mineral, often occurring as blue-green to green crystalline crusts or nodules.
Quintinite
A rare hydrous magnesium aluminum carbonate hydroxide mineral that forms white to pale green platy crystals or masses.
Quiochistlite
A rare copper arsenic hydroxide mineral that forms blue to green acicular crystals. It is found in the oxidation zones of copper-arsenic deposits.
Quipannite
A rare copper-iron arsenate mineral, similar in composition to quinochalcite but with a distinct crystal structure.
Quiriquinite
A rare iron oxide hydroxide mineral that forms yellow to brown earthy masses or crusts.
Quitmondite
A rare iron magnesium arsenic hydrate mineral that forms greenish-blue to blue-green prismatic crystals. It is found in the oxidation zones of arsenic-bearing iron deposits.
Quivisite
Quivisite is a rare manganese silicate mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in manganese-rich environments. It is primarily used in the production of specialty ceramics and glass.
Qunzurite
A rare copper chloride hydroxide mineral that forms bright blue to greenish-blue crystals or masses.
Quoichite
A rare copper arsenic hydroxide mineral that forms bright blue to green prismatic crystals. It is found in the oxidation zones of copper-arsenic deposits.
Quonsetite
Quonsetite is a rare calcium titanium oxide mineral that forms as a secondary mineral in titanium-rich environments. It is primarily used as an additive in ceramics and as a refractory material in high-temperature applications.
Quortolite
A variety of quartz that has a distinctive pattern of color bands or zones.
Quraruite
A rare copper arsenic oxide dihydrate mineral that forms blue to green prismatic crystals.
Qylintingite
A common iron sulfate heptahydrate mineral that forms pale green to bluish-green prismatic crystals or masses.

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