mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically white to translucent with a vitreous to waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. This rough specimen appears massive and granular, with possible minor iron-oxide or feldspar inclusions.
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Physical properties
Typically white to translucent with a vitreous to waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. This rough specimen appears massive and granular, with possible minor iron-oxide or feldspar inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks. Quartz is geologically widespread and occurs from Precambrian terrains through modern hydrothermal environments.
Uses & applications
Used for glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; attractive translucent pieces are used decoratively or as inexpensive lapidary material.
Geological facts
The cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities rather than a different quartz species.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its hardness—scratching ordinary glass—lack of cleavage, and typically pale translucent color; common worldwide in quartz veins, granites, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks.
