mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; opaque white to cream with iron-stained tan areas and a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with irregular to conchoidal fracture. The image shows a rough, weathered specimen.
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; opaque white to cream with iron-stained tan areas and a vitreous-to-waxy luster. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with irregular to conchoidal fracture. The image shows a rough, weathered specimen.
Formation & geological history
Quartz commonly crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and pegmatites, or forms in many rock types; it is geologically widespread and may be very ancient. The specimen’s exact age and source cannot be determined from the photo.
Uses & applications
Used as a silica source in glass and industrial materials; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively, though this specimen appears ordinary rather than gem-grade.
Geological facts
Quartz is among the most abundant minerals in Earth’s crust and can persist after surrounding minerals weather away.
Field identification & locations
Likely quartz based on its pale color and massive appearance, but a photo cannot confirm identity; test for hardness and look for glass-scratching ability and lack of cleavage. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and pegmatites.
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