mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to pale yellow, translucent, glassy-to-waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal structure. The rounded edges suggest natural weathering or light tumbling.
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Physical properties
White to pale yellow, translucent, glassy-to-waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal structure. The rounded edges suggest natural weathering or light tumbling.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or igneous melts crystallize in veins and cavities; the cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or defects. Quartz is widespread in rocks of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used as an industrial silica source, in glass and ceramics, abrasives, and occasionally as a low-cost ornamental or lapidary stone.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to chemical weathering, allowing it to accumulate in stream gravels and beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness, lack of cleavage, pale color, and glassy fracture; it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, granites, pegmatites, and sandstone-derived gravels.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary