mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Opaque white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent of granites and quartzites. This specific specimen appears to be water-worn, smoothed by alluvial or coastal erosion.
Uses & applications
Used in industrial glassmaking, abrasives, construction aggregates, and widely collected as a decorative stone or for metaphysical purposes.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster when water-worn. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and mountain trails worldwide.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock