mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: cloudy white to translucent gray, Luster: vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: poor (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: cloudy white to translucent gray, Luster: vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: poor (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cool in veins or pegmatites; found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological ages
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, optics, abrasives, as an aggregate in construction, and as decorative gravel; frequently collected by mineral enthusiasts
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its characteristic phantom appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of distinct cleavage. Common in mountain ranges and riverbeds globally; often serves as a 'host rock' for gold veins.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous