
mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Most commonly found in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. The milky color is caused by tiny gas or liquid bubbles trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction aggregates, as an abrasive, and frequently in jewelry or as home decor/healing crystals.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is responsible for the white 'veins' often seen cutting through darker rocks in mountain ranges.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and typical white 'waxy' appearance. Found globally in almost any geological setting.
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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