mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to translucent with orange/brown iron staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent with orange/brown iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent in igneous rocks. This specimen likely weathered out of a quartz vein. Small fluid inclusions trapped during growth give it the milky appearance.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, silicon production, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as decorative landscaping stone.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. The iron staining (yellow/orange) seen here is common in surface-collected specimens where iron-rich water has seeped into fractures.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'milky' color. Found globally in almost all geological environments, particularly in riverbeds and mountainous terrain.