mineral
Quartz (Milky Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/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: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction aggregates, and semi-precious jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudiness from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and white/cloudy appearance. It is ubiquitous in riverbeds and mountainous terrain worldwide.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
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Metamorphic Rock
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral