mineral

Milky quartz (probable)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to pale yellow, translucent, and vitreous; likely hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, with no cleavage and irregular/conchoidal fracture. The rough, granular appearance may reflect weathering or attached host rock.

Identified August 19, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky quartz (probable) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous and hydrothermal fluids and commonly occurs in veins and pegmatites; individual specimens may range from Precambrian to recent geological ages. Exact origin cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively. This small rough specimen has modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Milky quartz appears cloudy because microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or defects scatter light. A steel file should not scratch it, while quartz can scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Look for a glassy luster, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and hardness near 7; acid tests are unnecessary. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and granitic terrains.