mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to cloudy
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily from hydrothermal veins and within igneous pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny liquid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive, in glass making, as a gemstone (cabochons), and as a decorative stone in landscaping and aquariums.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found associated with gold in hydrothermal vein deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. Found globally in almost all geological environments.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous