mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-greasy luster and no cleavage. It has a trigonal crystal structure, though this rough specimen shows no distinct crystal faces; rusty patches may be iron-oxide staining.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-greasy luster and no cleavage. It has a trigonal crystal structure, though this rough specimen shows no distinct crystal faces; rusty patches may be iron-oxide staining.
Formation & geological history
Typically forms when silica-rich fluids fill fractures and cool, or crystallizes in quartz veins within igneous and metamorphic rocks. The image alone cannot establish its geological age or exact setting.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glass, electronics, and industrial abrasives; attractive specimens are collected or used decoratively.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly occurs in veins and pegmatites.
Field identification & locations
Look for its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass; it should resist scratching from a steel knife. Milky quartz occurs worldwide, including in veins and mountain belts.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen
Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification
mineral