mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to translucent white
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling of igneous magmas. The white 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, in electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as a landscape stone or collector's mineral.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is often found in gold-bearing hydrothermal veins and has been used by humans since the Stone Age for tool making.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white color. Found globally in quartz veins, pegmatites, and as river pebbles.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock