mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- 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: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent of many igneous rocks. The cloudy appearance is caused by tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, as an abrasive, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, and widely used in landscaping and jewelry as a decorative stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, white color, and glassy luster. It is found globally in almost all geological environments.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous