mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, irregular fracture, and no true cleavage. The specimen appears massive and granular, with possible iron-oxide staining and minor attached matrix.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, or pegmatites, commonly during igneous and hydrothermal activity. Quartz is geologically widespread and occurs from Precambrian rocks to the present.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive mineral specimens. This rough fragment has limited jewelry value unless clean and gem-quality.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has a characteristic hardness that can scratch ordinary glass. Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions and structural defects scattering light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, translucent white color, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass; a steel knife usually does not scratch it. Common worldwide in quartz veins, granite, pegmatite, and metamorphic rocks.