mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White, translucent-to-opaque, glassy to greasy luster with irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The granular appearance suggests a massive quartz fragment rather than a well-formed crystal.

Identified September 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous rocks; some specimens are metamorphic. Quartz is common throughout geologic time, from Precambrian rocks to modern hydrothermal deposits.

Uses & applications

Used in glass and ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are inexpensive mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Its cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities. Quartz scratches ordinary steel and glass, helping distinguish it from softer white minerals.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and alpine vein deposits. Look for hardness, lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; a definitive identification may require a scratch test and specific-gravity measurement.