mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to cream; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to cream
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to cream; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins within igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary rocks. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, precision electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative landscape stone or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust. Milky quartz specifically is common because the 'milkiness' is the result of minute bubbles of gas and water trapped when the crystal was forming.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), white color, and lack of cleavage. Look for it in riverbeds, mountain veins, or as pebbles in gravel deposits worldwide.
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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)
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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic