mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White/Translucent/Cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White/Translucent/Cloudy
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White/Translucent/Cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments, typically through hydrothermal activity or as a primary mineral in pegmatites and granites.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative stone or landscaping material.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (ability to scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic waxy or milky appearance. Often found in quartz veins and stream beds.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous