mineral

Milky quartz (with minor dark inclusions)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-greasy luster, commonly massive rather than visibly crystalline. It has conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified August 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or magmas crystallize in veins and cavities; the cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures. Quartz occurs from Precambrian to modern geological settings.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively, though this specimen is not gem grade.

Geological facts

The dark specks may be iron oxides, mica, tourmaline, or other host-rock inclusions; precise identification would require testing or microscopy.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; common worldwide in quartz veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. The pictured piece may also be quartz-rich pegmatite rather than pure quartz.