What is the chemical formula for quartz?

The chemical formula for quartz is represented as SiO2, which indicates that each molecule of quartz is composed of one silicon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms. This arrangement reflects the tetrahedral structure of the silicon-oxygen bond, where each silicon atom is surrounded by four oxygen atoms in a three-dimensional framework. Each of these oxygen atoms then bonds to adjacent silicon atoms, contributing to the overall stability and hardness of quartz.

Silicon dioxide, or SiO2, is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and serves as a fundamental building block for many types of rocks and sand. The connectivity and arrangement of silicon and oxygen atoms in SiO2 give quartz its characteristic properties, such as its transparency and ability to resist weathering.

In contrast, formulas like SiO (which would suggest a different stoichiometric ratio), Si2O (suggesting a different structural configuration), and Si2O2 (which implies an alternate composition) do not accurately represent the chemical structure of quartz. Therefore, SiO2 is the only correct representation of quartz, aligning with its recognized scientific definition.