mineral
Milky Quartz with Mica Matrix
SiO2 (Silicon Dioxide) with Muscovite/Biotite mica
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale (quartz component), Color: Off-white/cloudy to brownish-gold mica coating, Luster: Vitreous to pearly/sub-metallic, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None in quartz (conchoidal fracture), Perfect basal in mica, Specific Gravity: ~2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale (quartz component), Color: Off-white/cloudy to brownish-gold mica coating, Luster: Vitreous to pearly/sub-metallic, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None in quartz (conchoidal fracture), Perfect basal in mica, Specific Gravity: ~2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous pegmatites or hydrothermal vein deposits where silica-rich fluids cooled slowly, allowing quartz and mica minerals to crystallize together under pressure.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative mineral specimens for collectors, educational samples, and historically as an indicator mineral for precious metals in quartz veins.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens featuring small glittery mica flakes alongside quartz are often mistaken for gold ore ('Fool's Gold' or mica glint).
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by testing quartz hardness (scratches glass easily) and observing the flaky, shiny glitter of mica on the rough crust. Commonly found in granite pegmatites and metamorphic schists globally.
