mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent milky white, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent milky white, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. Milky quartz gets its appearance from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Can be found in various geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, as a flux in smelting, in the electronics industry (frequency control), as a gemstone (cabochons), and as decorative landscaping stone.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. The white color is caused by minute fluid inclusions of gas or liquid that have been trapped since the crystal was formed.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white milky appearance. Often found as rounded pebbles in riverbeds or as veins in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic