mineral
Milky Quartz with Iron Staining
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness: 7, Color: white to yellowish-tan, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 7, Color: white to yellowish-tan, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a late-stage crystallization in igneous rocks like granite. The yellow/tan color is caused by surface staining from iron oxides like limonite.
Uses & applications
Construction aggregate, glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and commonly used as decorative landscaping stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Often found as veins in metamorphic and igneous terrains.
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Metamorphic
Epidote
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous