
mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The white cloudiness is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, abrasive blasting, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and widely used in home decor and metaphysical collecting when carved.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque appearance. Often found as veins in igneous rocks or as pebbles in riverbeds.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
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