mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (SiO₂), commonly massive or vein quartz
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and a hexagonal crystal structure. The brown coating likely consists of iron-oxide staining or attached host rock.
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Physical properties
Typically white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and a hexagonal crystal structure. The brown coating likely consists of iron-oxide staining or attached host rock.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids fill fractures and cool, commonly in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. Individual specimens may range from Precambrian to recent geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are sold as cabinet specimens or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and durable minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its hardness, glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; it should scratch ordinary glass. Common worldwide, especially 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