mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7; white to translucent; vitreous (glassy) luster; hexagonal (trigonal) crystal system; conchoidal fracture; no cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 7; white to translucent; vitreous (glassy) luster; hexagonal (trigonal) crystal system; conchoidal fracture; no cleavage; specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous rocks through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It can be found in rocks from virtually all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. Also used in construction aggregate and as a collector's specimen. High-purity quartz is essential for making silicon chips and solar panels.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to scratch glass, its white color, and lack of cleavage planes. Found abundantly in mountain ranges, riverbeds, and as veins in metamorphic and igneous terrains.
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