mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. The white color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Common in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, construction aggregates, and occasionally as decorative stones, tumbled pebbles, or in crystal healing practices.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found as the 'mother rock' in gold-bearing veins. The white cloudiness is due to millions of microscopic fluid inclusions.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its white color, hardness (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage. It is ubiquitous worldwide, especially in riverbeds, mountain ranges, and beaches.
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Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic