
mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to off-white
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a constituent of igneous rocks like granite. Its milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in the glass and ceramics industry, as an abrasive, in landscaping, and sometimes as a minor gemstone or for metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white color. Commonly found in riverbeds, gravel pits, and mountainous regions worldwide.
More like this
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous