A geology index — 0 compatible sensors — Last revised June 1, 2025
Quartz Index

Quartz Rich Rocks

A geological spectral index for identifying quartz-rich geological formations using thermal infrared bands. Used for lithologic mapping and rock identification, particularly useful for detecting iron-related geological features.

Used in mineral exploration.

When to use

  • Mineral exploration target identification in arid and bare-ground regions
  • Hydrothermal alteration zone mapping
  • Lithological unit discrimination
  • Iron oxide and clay mineral mapping
  • Pre-field reconnaissance for geological surveys
  • Geology
  • Rock identification

Limitations

  • Vegetation cover masks underlying mineral signatures — works best on bare ground
  • Atmospheric water vapour absorbs in similar SWIR regions, requiring correction
  • Particle size and mineral mixtures produce non-linear spectral mixing
  • Should be combined with field validation — single-index identification is unreliable
  • Different mineral assemblages can produce similar spectral signatures

General Formula

Sensor-Specific Formulas

Most-used sensors — click to show code below

SensorProviderFormulaBand Mapping

Code Examples

quartz_index_generic.py

Quartz Index vs other geology indices

IndexNameHow it differs
AKPAlunite/Kaolinite/Pyrophylite IndexAlternative geology index — different band combination
ALTAlteration IndexAlternative geology index — different band combination
AMPAmphibole IndexAlternative geology index — different band combination
ClayClay IndexAlternative geology index — different band combination

Related Geology Indices

AKP
Alunite/Kaolinite/Pyrophylite Index
ALT
Alteration Index
AMP
Amphibole Index
Clay
Clay Index
DOL
Dolomite Index
ECA
Epidote/Chlorite/Amphibole Index
Fe3+
Ferric Iron Index
FOX
Ferric Oxides Index

References

Rowan & Mars (2003)

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