mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to milky
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It can be found in rocks of all geological ages, from Precambrian to recent formations.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive, in the production of glass and ceramics, as a source of silicon for electronics, and in landscaping or decorative gravel.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation. It is one of the most common mineral varieties on Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its white color, ability to scratch glass (hardness 7), and lack of cleavage. Often found as veins in igneous or metamorphic rocks or as pebbles in riverbeds.
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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