mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a glassy-to-waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears massive and iron-stained, though the image alone cannot exclude quartz-rich feldspar or calcite.

Identified August 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, or igneous and metamorphic rocks; quartz ranges from Precambrian to modern geological ages. Iron-oxide staining likely produced the pink-brown patches.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive translucent pieces are collected but usually have modest value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. Unlike calcite, it should not fizz in dilute hydrochloric acid and should scratch ordinary steel or glass.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, granite, and metamorphic rocks. Test hardness and absence of cleavage; a polished surface or closer examination is needed for confident identification.