mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- White to off-white/milky
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a late-stage crystallization in igneous rocks like granite. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, as an abrasive, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, and widely used in landscaping and jewelry as semi-precious stones.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its white color, ability to scratch glass (hardness 7), and lack of cleavage planes. It is found globally in mountainous terrains and as river pebbles.
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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