
mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to pale lavender/blue-gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to pale lavender/blue-gray
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to pale lavender/blue-gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent of many igneous and metamorphic rocks. The cloudy appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction aggregates, and as decorative landscape stone or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Milky Quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found in large massive deposits known as quartz reefs which can sometimes contain gold.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and typical white or cloudy appearance. It is ubiquitous globally and often found as pebbles in stream beds.
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Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous