mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cloudy to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White, cloudy to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, cloudy to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms from the cooling of magma or by precipitation from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, in electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), and as a decorative stone in landscaping or jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage, and its waxy or vitreous luster. It is found globally in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.
More like this
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
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