mineral

Milky quartz (rough fragment)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically hardness 7 Mohs, white to translucent, with a vitreous to slightly greasy luster; massive quartz lacks obvious crystal faces and has conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is about 2.65, with no cleavage.

Identified September 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids fill fractures or crystallize in igneous and metamorphic rocks; individual specimens may range from Precambrian to recent hydrothermal deposits. The granular, sparkly appearance is consistent with massive milky quartz, though the photograph is not diagnostic.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; attractive clear or colored varieties are collected and sometimes cut as gemstones.

Geological facts

Its cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or dispersed mineral impurities. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically durable minerals.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy sparkle, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, lack of cleavage, and a white translucent body; common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granite-related deposits. A streak, hardness, and acid test can help distinguish it from calcite or man-made material.