mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous luster, irregular conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears as a rough, massive aggregate rather than distinct crystals.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous luster, irregular conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears as a rough, massive aggregate rather than distinct crystals.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cool in fractures and cavities, or when quartz crystallizes in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Quartz is common from Precambrian to modern geological settings.
Uses & applications
Used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, electronics, and abrasives; attractive translucent pieces are collected or used decoratively. This rough specimen has modest commercial value.
Geological facts
Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically resistant minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and white translucent appearance; it commonly occurs in granite, pegmatites, veins, and metamorphic rocks worldwide.
