mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to light gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to light gray
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to light gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or within igneous pegmatites as magma cools. Milky quartz gets its appearance from millions of microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive in sandpaper, in glassmaking, as a component of concrete and mortar, and as a decorative stone in landscaping and jewelry (as cabochons).
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It can often be found in gold-bearing veins, leading prospectors to associate white quartz outcrops with potential gold deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in mountain ranges, alluvial deposits, and desert pavements.
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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