mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to milky translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to milky translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to milky translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a major constituent of igneous pegmatites. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth, found throughout nearly all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used as a source of silica for glassmaking, in construction as aggregate, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, and by collectors as decorative specimens.
Geological facts
The milky white color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally, particularly in mountainous regions and riverbeds as eroded cobbles.
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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