mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, hardness 7 Mohs, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and hexagonal crystal structure; the specimen appears roughly broken or naturally tumbled.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

White to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, hardness 7 Mohs, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and hexagonal crystal structure; the specimen appears roughly broken or naturally tumbled.

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal veins when silica-rich fluids crystallize; quartz is common from Precambrian rocks to the present. The cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are collected, though this small rough fragment has little gem value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering, commonly accumulating in sand and river gravels.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, conchoidal breakage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granite-rich terrains.