mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent (opaque), Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent (opaque), Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. The white color is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during the crystal's rapid formation.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive in sandpaper, in glassmaking, as a flux in metallurgy, and as common landscaping stone or decorative rock for collectors.
Geological facts
Milky Quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. While often overlooked for clearer varieties, large masses can form entire mountain ranges and contain traces of gold.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and slightly greasy tactile feel. Commonly found in stream beds, eroded out of quartz veins in mountain ranges worldwide.
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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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic