mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White, translucent-to-opaque, glassy to dull luster with massive texture and no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified August 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

White, translucent-to-opaque, glassy to dull luster with massive texture and no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; specimens may range from ancient Precambrian material to geologically recent vein fillings.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; attractive pieces are collected, though this rough fragment has limited gem value.

Geological facts

The white appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or defects scattering light rather than from a separate white pigment.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and quartz-rich rocks. Confirm with a scratch test against ordinary glass (quartz scratches it) and inspect for conchoidal fracture; the image alone cannot exclude white calcite or marble.