mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It is found in a wide variety of geological environments and can be from any geological age.
Uses & applications
Used in the glassmaking and abrasive industries, as a decorative stone in landscaping, and in jewelry as cabochons or beads.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy white appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in mountainous and metamorphic terrains.
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
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
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