The main component of radiolarians, it precipitates as chert or flint on ocean floors.
The low and high structures of this mineral change to tridymite and cristobalite structure with increasing temperature and a pressure below 5 kilobars. The main component of radiolarians, it precipitates as chert or flint on ocean floors. Its Mohs hardness of seven and chemical stability enables this tectosilicate to survive mechanical weathering, and it persists as detrital grains to accumulate in sandstones. With varieties sardonyx, carnelian and citrine, FTP, name this common mineral, the simplest silicate.
The low and high structures of this mineral change to tridymite and cristobalite structure with increasing temperature and a pressure below 5 kilobars.
Quartz