mineral

Milky quartz (rough quartz crystal)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a vitreous luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and a hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears irregular and somewhat opaque, consistent with milky quartz, though the image is not diagnostic.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or igneous melts crystallize in veins and cavities; milky color results from microscopic fluid inclusions and defects. Quartz occurs in rocks of many ages worldwide.

Uses & applications

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

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is the defining mineral of many silica-rich veins and sandstones.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness sufficient to scratch glass, absence of cleavage, and a white translucent appearance; a steel blade generally will not scratch it. Common sources include hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and quartz-rich metamorphic rocks.