Milky Quartz with Schist Matrix

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale (quartz component). Color: Milky white to translucent pale quartz with grey-black flaky schist matrix. Luster: Vitreous to greasy on quartz surfaces, silky/pearly on schist areas. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None in quartz (conchoidal fracture), perfect basal cleavage in mica within the schist matrix. Specific gravity: ~2.65.

Formed via hydrothermal activity where silica-rich fluids crystallized into quartz veins within metamorphic host rocks, such as mica schist, during high-pressure and high-temperature regional metamorphism.

Commonly collected as educational specimens, used as decorative rocks, aggregate in construction, and in quartz mineral collection.

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its opaque white color from tiny gas or liquid bubbles trapped during the crystal's formation.

Identified by its scratch resistance (scratches glass easily), milky white appearance, conchoidal fracture on the quartz portion, and flaky, shimmering matrix of surrounding mica schist. Common globally in metamorphic terrains and pegmatites.