mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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 on Mohs scale; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite. Its cloudy appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone, in glassmaking, as an abrasive, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative landscaping stone.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found in large veins that can be several meters thick and can contain gold or other precious metals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost all geological environments, especially in mountain ranges and riverbeds.
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
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic