mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent off-white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent off-white
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent off-white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous rocks through crystallization of silica-rich solutions. Often found as water-worn beach or river pebbles.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, ceramics, crushed stone for landscaping, decorative gravel, and gemstone carving/tumbling for amateur collectors.
Geological facts
The distinctive white cloudy appearance of milky quartz is caused by millions of microscopic gas and liquid inclusions trapped inside the crystal during its formation.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass readily), smooth water-rounded pebble shape, waxy-to-vitreous luster, and lack of visible cleavage. Extremely common along riverbeds, beaches, and gravel deposits worldwide.
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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
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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