mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to off-white with tan iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (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 to off-white with tan iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions in veins or during the cooling of magma. Often found in pegmatites or metamorphic rocks.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction aggregates, and occasionally as ornamental stones for landscaping.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The white 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it scrapes glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy/vitreous luster on fresh breaks. It is ubiquitous in mountainous regions and riverbeds.
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
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral