mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich fluids. Can be found in almost all geological environments and ages.
Uses & applications
Used as a source of silicon for electronics, an abrasive in sandpaper, in glassmaking, as decorative landscaping stone, and occasionally in lapidary work.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its white color from tiny microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white waxy appearance. Common in gravel beds and mountain outcrops globally.
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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