mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich solutions. Its white color is caused by tiny inclusions of liquid, gas, or both, trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as decorative stones or gemstones in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is often the variety found in gold-bearing veins, making it a target for prospectors.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster. Common globally, often found as pebbles in riverbeds or as veins in igneous and metamorphic rocks.
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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