mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to off-white with minor iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to off-white with minor iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to off-white with minor iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms through hydrothermal crystallization in veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic settings where silica-rich fluids cool and precipitate over long geological periods.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, silicon production, electronics (piezoelectric applications), abrasives, decorative stones, and landscaping.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped inside the crystal during its growth millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its scratch resistance (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, white translucent appearance, and uneven conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide in gravel beds, mountain veins, and river deposits.
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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