mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White or milky due to microscopic fluid inclusions, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: Poor/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White or milky due to microscopic fluid inclusions, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: Poor/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cool in veins or cavities within other rocks. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments worldwide.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive in sandpaper, in glassmaking, as a gemstone in cabochon form, and in construction as an aggregate. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and watches.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Its white color is caused by tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally, particularly in mountain ranges and riverbeds. Look for conchoidal fractures and a greasy luster on fresh surfaces.
More like this
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