mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz, created as silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize in crustal fractures.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative landscaping stone. High-purity quartz is used in the semiconductor industry.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is found on every continent and is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. Commonly found as pebbles in riverbeds or as veins in metamorphic and igneous rocks.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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