mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/opaque milky white, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Specific gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/opaque milky white, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites as liquid solutions cool. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative gravel or landscaping stones.
Geological facts
Milky Quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found in massive form rather than distinct crystal points.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage (it breaks with a conchoidal fracture). It is found worldwide in various terrains.
More like this
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