mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, commonly lacking visible crystal faces and showing conchoidal fracture. It has a hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, commonly lacking visible crystal faces and showing conchoidal fracture. It has a hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and fractures of igneous or metamorphic rocks; individual pieces may be geologically ancient, commonly Paleozoic or older depending on host rock.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are collected or used ornamentally, though this specimen appears low-grade.
Geological facts
The cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or dispersed mineral impurities rather than a different quartz species.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy appearance, white translucency, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; avoid confusing it with calcite, which is softer and cleaves readily. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins.
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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
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary