A question for a geology lab about weathering of quartz pebble conglomerate that makes up our local Shawangunk ridge.
Quartz (SiO2) is the most abundant mineral on the surface of earth. It is often found in granitic rock but can be found further purified in naturally occurring hydrothermal solutions. Quartz is commonly used in glass making and as an inexpensive abrasive. Quartz is often a massive byproduct of gold mining due to the high abundance of pure quartz found with gold. It is in no critical supply. I cannot think of any real political, economic, or social issues with quartz mining since it is so widely abundant even in its pure form. Unlike commodities such as oil, gold, or rare metals; quartz could be easily found and extracted in almost any country.
Quartz can be gem quality or sand. It is the second most abundant mineral on Earth.
