mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to tan (stained by iron); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to tan (stained by iron)
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal veins or cooling of igneous magmas. This specific specimen appears to be a water-worn or weathered fragment, likely millions of years old, originating from a metamorphic or igneous primary deposit.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (quartz oscillators), abrasives, and as construction aggregate. Polished specimens are used in jewelry and crystal healing collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its white color from tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster when broken. Extremely common in riverbeds and mountainous terrain globally.