mineral

Quartz Vein / Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent to opaque white with iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Translucent to opaque white with iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal solutions precipitating in rock fractures. Common in igneous and metamorphic environments, appearing as veins where hot, mineral-rich water cooled and crystallized.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, gemstones (when clear/colorful), and as a primary source for silicon in electronics. In this raw form, it is often used for landscaping or as a flux in smelting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These veins are often monitored by prospectors as they can be indicator rocks for gold or other precious metals.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), conchoidal fracture (curved breaks), and lack of cleavage. Often found near granite outcrops or in riverbeds as rounded cobbles.