mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent yellowish-tan, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent yellowish-tan, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions cooling in veins and cavities, or as a constituent of igneous rocks like granite and metamorphic rocks like quartzite. It is found in geological environments spanning almost all eras.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics as crystal oscillators, in glass making, as an abrasive, in construction as aggregate, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry or for metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its characteristic white color from microscopic inclusions of gas and liquids trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy/vitreous luster. Extremely common worldwide, especially in mountain ranges 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
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary