mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to cloudy (due to fluid/gas inclusions), Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to cloudy (due to fluid/gas inclusions), Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within pegmatites. It is commonly found in igneous intrusions and metamorphic veins. It can be found in terrains ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. In electronics, it's used for its piezoelectric properties. It is also used as decorative stone, in landscaping, and as a collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. The white 'milky' color is caused by millions of tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass/steel), lack of cleavage, and characteristic waxy/glassy appearance. It is found globally in mountainous regions and riverbeds.
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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