mineral
Milky quartz (likely)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The yellow-brown areas may be iron-oxide staining or surface contamination.
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Physical properties
White to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster with no visible cleavage and conchoidal fracture; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The yellow-brown areas may be iron-oxide staining or surface contamination.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and pegmatites, commonly in igneous and metamorphic rocks; individual specimens may range from Precambrian to recent geological settings.
Uses & applications
Used as a durable aggregate, glass and silicon source, abrasives, and in decorative stones; attractive translucent pieces are used for carving and inexpensive jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. Milky appearance results mainly from microscopic fluid inclusions and structural defects.
Field identification & locations
Common worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and many quartz-vein localities. Identify it by hardness—scratching glass but not being scratched by a steel knife—and its lack of cleavage; the pictured piece could also be white chalcedony or opal without testing.
