mineral

Quartz (Milky or White Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: Translucent to opaque white. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Translucent to opaque white
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified March 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in the bridge-building and glassmaking industries, electronics (due to its piezoelectric properties), abrasive manufacturing, and as a decorative stone in landscaping or low-cost jewelry.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic waxy or glassy luster. Commonly found in veins or as pebbles in riverbeds and on beaches worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral