mineral

Milky quartz specimen

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), commonly massive or drusy quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a vitreous to sugary luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. The specimen appears as irregular, intergrown quartz aggregates with minor brown iron-oxide staining and possible host-rock remnants.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids fill fractures and cavities, or during late-stage crystallization in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Quartz is geologically widespread and may range from Precambrian to modern veins and cavity deposits.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, countertops, and lapidary work; attractive crystal clusters are collected but are generally modestly valuable.

Geological facts

Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to weathering.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, hardness, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; iron staining commonly produces yellow-brown patches. Common in quartz veins, granites, pegmatites, geodes, and hydrothermal deposits worldwide.