mineral

Quartz (Milky Variant)

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified February 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is found across all geological ages, from Precambrian to Cenozoic, in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in the glass industry, electronics (for its piezoelectric properties), construction as an abrasive, and in jewelry as a semi-precious gemstone.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its characteristic white color from microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white color. It is found globally in mountain ranges, riverbeds, and beach sands. Use a steel file to test hardness; it will likely scratch the file.

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