mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites. The white color is caused by microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as an abrasive, in glass making, as a source for silicon, and widely in landscaping and as a decorative mineral for collectors.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic conchoidal (shell-like) fracture. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as 'bull quartz' veins in various rock formations.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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