mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to pale yellow, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (often massive in appearance), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Creamy white to pale yellow, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (often massive in appearance), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where silica concentrations are high and impurities/fluid inclusions cause the opaque 'milky' appearance. Found across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, as an abrasive, in glass manufacturing, for garden landscaping, and as a collector's specimen.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Its white color is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster. Commonly found in mountainous regions and riverbeds globally.
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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
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock