mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster, irregular fracture, and no cleavage. It has a trigonal crystal structure, though this rounded piece shows no obvious crystal faces; specific gravity is about 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster, irregular fracture, and no cleavage. It has a trigonal crystal structure, though this rounded piece shows no obvious crystal faces; specific gravity is about 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks. Quartz is common from Precambrian to Recent geological environments; the specimen appears naturally broken or tumbled.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone; attractive milky pieces are sold as inexpensive decorative or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Its cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically resistant minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its white translucency, glassy sheen, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel knife should not scratch it. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granitic or metamorphic terrains.
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary