mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster, typically massive rather than visibly crystalline. It has a trigonal crystal structure and no cleavage, breaking with a conchoidal fracture.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster, typically massive rather than visibly crystalline. It has a trigonal crystal structure and no cleavage, breaking with a conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins and cavities, or through cooling of silica-rich magma; quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used as a silica source in glass and industrial materials, and as an ornamental stone or inexpensive jewelry material.
Geological facts
The cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid or gas inclusions and structural imperfections.
Field identification & locations
Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granitic or metamorphic terrains. Its hardness, glassy sheen, and lack of cleavage help distinguish it; the small specimen shown is roughly worth $1–$10.
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Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
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Epidote
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metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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