mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to milky white, often stained orange/brown by iron oxides. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to milky white, often stained orange/brown by iron oxides. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous pegmatites. It can be found in rocks of all geological ages, from Precambrian to recent formations.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, as an abrasive, in the production of silicon metal, and as a decorative stone in landscaping or low-cost jewelry.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'milky' opacity. It is ubiquitous globally, especially in mountain ranges and riverbeds.
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