mineral

Milky quartz vein rock

Quartz (SiO₂), massive milky variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to gray, vitreous-to-waxy luster, massive and nonfoliated; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, uneven-to-conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears heavily fractured and locally stained, with possible minor mica or iron-oxide inclusions.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely hydrothermal quartz deposited in fractures of older host rock, commonly during mountain-building or late igneous activity; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the image. Quartz veins occur from Precambrian terrains to modern geothermal systems.

Uses & applications

Used for silica, glass, ceramics, abrasives, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are collected but this rough material has limited jewelry value unless cut or polished.

Geological facts

Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, and defects scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant crustal minerals and is piezoelectric.

Field identification & locations

Identify by hardness—quartz can scratch ordinary glass and resists a steel knife—plus its lack of cleavage and irregular fracture. Common in granite, metamorphic belts, and hydrothermal veins worldwide.