mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, massive or poorly crystallized with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is about 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, massive or poorly crystallized with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity is about 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or magmas crystallize in veins and cavities, commonly in igneous and metamorphic rocks; specimens may range from Precambrian to recent geological settings.
Uses & applications
Used as a silica source for glass, ceramics, abrasives, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are collected, though this rough specimen has limited jewelry value.
Geological facts
Its cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities rather than a different quartz composition.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy translucence, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; common worldwide in quartz veins, granite pegmatites, and metamorphic terrains.
