Unfortunately, there is no scientifically precise definition of a genius, and the question of whether the notion itself has any real meaning has long been a subject of debate. (Wikipedia)
Listening to someone talk or reading something one has written usually indicates intelligence, but that doesn't answer your question. (But I'll settle for intelligence.)
exceptional love of, attraction to and indulgence in intellectual subjects and ability to make significant contributions to the relevant fields.
original thinking - i.e. coming up with discoveries that change the way humans understand physics or some aspect of how the world functions or inventing new substances, processes, tools or technologies or inventing new modes of expression in the arts