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There are a few potential causes of a StackOverflowError when using a quicksort algorithm to sort a list of 7 numbers:

1. Recursion depth: Depending on the implementation of the quicksort algorithm, it may use recursion to sort sub-lists. If the recursion depth exceeds the limit of the call stack, a StackOverflowError can be thrown. This is more likely to occur if the list being sorted is very large or if the algorithm is implemented in a way that results in deeper recursion trees.

2. Improper partitioning: The quicksort algorithm relies on partitioning the array into two sub-arrays, one containing all elements less than a chosen pivot and the other containing all elements greater than the pivot. If the partitioning is not done correctly, the algorithm may enter into an infinite loop, potentially causing a StackOverflowError.

3. Unhandled edge cases: A quicksort algorithm may not be able to handle certain edge cases without causing a StackOverflowError. For example, if the list contains many duplicate values, it may cause the algorithm to repeatedly divide the list into sub-lists of the same length, potentially leading to infinite recursion.

4. Programming errors: Finally, a StackOverflowError may be caused by programming errors such as incorrect array indices or improper memory management.