mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to creamy tan/orange due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (often massive); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to creamy tan/orange due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. Found in varied geological environments ranging from Precambrian to more recent eras.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, as an abrasive, in the production of silicon, and commonly as decorative gravel or landscaping stone. Higher quality quartz is used in electronics and clocks.

Geological facts

The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of liquid or gas trapped during the crystal's growth. It is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its inability to be scratched by steel, its lack of cleavage, and its waxy/glassy appearance. This specimen specifically shows iron staining on the surface. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous regions globally.