mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Opaque white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Opaque white
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Opaque white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent in igneous rocks. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, jewelry (tumbled stones), and as a source of silicon for electronic components and solar panels.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is one of the most common varieties of crystalline quartz on Earth. Its white color is due to millions of microscopic bubbles that were trapped as the crystal formed.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and typical milky-white opacity. It is ubiquitous globally, often found as pebbles in riverbeds or veins in mountain ranges.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic