mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to grey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Cloudy white to grey
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to grey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of magma or by hydrothermal precipitation from hot fluids in veins. Found in various geological ages from Precambrian to Recent; milky appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as a source of silicon for electronics, in construction as aggregate, and as a semi-precious gemstone for jewelry or metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is often found in massive form rather than distinct crystals and frequently hosts inclusions of other minerals like gold or pyrite in hydrothermal veins.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and characteristic cloudy appearance. It is found globally in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments, particularly in quartz veins and pegmatites.
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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