mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to creamy tan, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to creamy tan, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal solutions or the cooling of silica-rich magma; common in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. It can be found in almost all geological environments and across all ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, as a flux in metallurgy, and widely in landscaping or as a collector mineral.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white/opaque appearance. It is found globally in mountain ranges and riverbeds.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous