Resource · Material

Quartz

Quartz is a crystalline material used for glass production, silicone, and electronic components in Subnautica 2.

Quick Info

Type
Resource
Category
Material
Depth Range
0–200m
Biome
Multiple
Rarity
Common
Source
Shale Outcrop
Used In
Glass Silicone Enamel Hatching Enzymes

How to Get & Where to Find

Mine Shale Outcrops found across multiple biomes. Shale is recognizable by its darker, rougher texture compared to limestone. Because shale appears in both shallow and mid-depth zones, Quartz is one of the easiest materials to gather in bulk.

Shallow Waters

0–50m — shale scattered across the seafloor.

Available from the start

Kelp Forest

50–150m — steady shale deposits among the kelp.

Good mid-volume farm

Grassy Plateaus

100–200m — reliable shale clusters on the plains.

Pairs with Silver runs

Uses & Recipes

Quartz feeds into glass for habitat windows, silicone for advanced components, and specialty items like hatching enzymes. Because glass is needed for observatories and windows early, you'll want a healthy Quartz stockpile as soon as you start building.

Glass

Windows, observatories, and transparent habitat panels.

Silicone

Flexible component used in seals and advanced recipes.

Enamel

Durable coating for reinforced tools and equipment.

Hatching Enzymes

Specialty crafted item for advanced creature interactions.

Crafting Calculator

Plan your total Quartz needs across all recipes.

Related Blueprints

Glass Silicone Enamel Hatching Enzymes

Map Locations

Shale outcrops spawn across multiple biomes, so Quartz rarely requires a dedicated deep dive. Filter the interactive map for shale to find the nearest cluster to your base.

View on Interactive Map →

Related Guides

Base Building Guide

Plan windows and observatories with a steady Quartz supply.

Biome Resource Map

Which biomes hold the shale outcrops you need.

Crafting Calculator

Tally exact material counts for any build plan.

Silver Ore Resource

Combine shale and sandstone runs in the plateaus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to find Quartz?

Shale outcrops in most biomes. Look for the darker, rougher nodes — they contrast with the pale limestone you've been mining for Titanium and Copper.

Do I need Quartz early?

Yes, for habitat windows and electronics. Glass is required for observatories and window panels, and silicone feeds into several early-to-mid tech recipes, so begin collecting Quartz as soon as you start building.

Is Quartz common?

Yes, found in most shallow areas. Shale appears across the shallows, kelp forest, and grassy plateaus, so you'll rarely have to travel far to restock Quartz.

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