mineral
White Quartz (Milky Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Milky white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. Milky quartz specifically gets its appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as a gemstone or decor in landscaping.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and is a major component of granite. The white color is caused by tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped when the crystal was forming.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its white color, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass easily. It is found globally in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
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Epidote
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Nephrite Jade
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
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Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic