mineral
Milky Quartz with Iron Staining
Quartz (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: White to milky white with grey and brown/rust iron oxide patches. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale. Color: White to milky white with grey and brown/rust iron oxide patches. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous or metamorphic environments through the precipitation of silica-rich fluids over geological time.
Uses & applications
Used in ornamental displays, specimen collecting, and raw material for silicon extraction and glassmaking.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth. The cloudy appearance is caused by minute fluid inclusions of gas, liquid, or both trapped during crystal formation.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Common worldwide in almost all geological environments, often found in stream beds and weathered out of quartz veins.
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