mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, milky white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal/hexagonal crystal system, lacks true cleavage, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, milky white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal/hexagonal crystal system, lacks true cleavage, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. The white opacity is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used widely in glassmaking, ceramics, abrasives, silicon chip production, decor, and mineral collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is white because of millions of microscopic bubbles of gas and liquid encapsulated within the crystal.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by a steel knife), lack of cleavage, milky appearance, and conchoidal fracture. Abundant worldwide in quartz veins and gravel deposits.
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Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
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Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral