mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, milky, or gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, milky, or gray
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, milky, or gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where silica-rich fluids cool slowly; often found in all types of environments including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Uses & applications
Used as a landscape stone, in glass making, as a source of silicon for electronics, and occasionally for carving or low-value jewelry.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its white color from tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during its formation. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. It is commonly found in mountainous regions or as pebbles in riverbeds.
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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
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
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral