mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, cloudy
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The cloudy white color is caused by microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronic oscillators (if high purity), and as a gemstone or decorative aggregate in landscaping and construction.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically gets its appearance from thousands of tiny 'bubbles' of liquid or gas preserved from its formation.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white cloudy appearance, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in many environments, especially in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
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Other mineral specimens
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
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock