mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to milky; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified April 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to milky; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. This specimen likely originated in a hydrothermal vein where it grew alongside other minerals before being weathered out of the host rock.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. In electronics, it is used for its piezoelectric properties. Low-grade specimens like this are used in landscaping or as aggregate.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically very resistant to weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles while other minerals dissolve.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will easily scratch glass) and its lack of cleavage (it breaks in irregular, shell-like curves). It is found globally in almost all geological environments.