Quartz is a mineral that is widely distributed all across the world. It is found in various varieties all of which are composed primarily of silica, or silicon dioxide (SiO2). Impurities such as sodium, lithium, titanium, and potassium may be present in a given specimen of quartz crystal in minor amounts. The name quartz is of German origin and was coined by Georgius Agricola in the year 1530. On the Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness, Quartz Stone ranks at 7, which makes it tougher than knives and steel nails.