mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White or cloudy, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White or cloudy, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma. Found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments worldwide, often as veins or as part of pegmatites.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry (cabochons), as an abrasive, in glassmaking, and in early electronics. Often sought by collectors as ornamental pocket stones.
Geological facts
The cloudy appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its white color, hardness (it will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous regions as water-worn pebbles.
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
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