mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 7, white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, 2.65 specific gravity.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7, white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, 2.65 specific gravity.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments worldwide.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, ceramics, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a decorative stone or gemstone in jewelry.
Geological facts
The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic milky white transparency. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous terrain.
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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous