mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites when silica-rich fluids cool. The milky color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and frequently as a collector's decorative stone or 'healing' crystal.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but milky quartz is the most common variety found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. Found globally in almost every geological environment.
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Other mineral specimens
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)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic