mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks (pegmatites), metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins. Milky color is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone (beads/cabochons), in electronics (quartz oscillators), as an abrasive, and in the production of glass and ceramics.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. Often found as rounded pebbles in riverbeds or as veins in bedrock outcrops.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous