mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Opaque white to translucent cream, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Opaque white to translucent cream, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or crystallizing from cooling magma in igneous rocks like granite. Its cloudy appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in the production of glass and silicon, as an abrasive, in landscaping, and as a semi-precious stone for jewelry or metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is one of the most common varieties of crystalline quartz on Earth. The white color is essentially a result of 'bubbles' inside the crystal that scatter light.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic waxy-to-glassy luster. It is commonly found in gravel beds, quartz veins, and mountain ranges globally.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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