mineral
Milky Quartz with Algae/Chlorite
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Translucent white to milky
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky Quartz with Algae/Chlorite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Commonly formed in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The green coating appears to be surface algae or chlorite mineral staining from environmental exposure.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in construction (aggregate), electronics (piezoelectric properties), glassmaking, and quartz countertops or jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its opaque white appearance from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent 'milky' look. Common in gravel beds and mountain outcrops globally.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock