mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms from the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids in veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological eras.
Uses & applications
Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. High-purity specimens are used in electronics and as semi-precious gemstones in jewelry.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from minute fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Common globally in mountain ranges and riverbeds.
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
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