mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, irregular fracture, and no cleavage. The cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or defects; crystals are trigonal, though this piece is irregular and rough.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, irregular fracture, and no cleavage. The cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or defects; crystals are trigonal, though this piece is irregular and rough.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks. Quartz is common from Precambrian to modern geological settings, and the specimen appears to be a natural broken fragment.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone; attractive milky quartz is collected but rarely valuable as jewelry material.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is chemically resistant, making it common in sands and weathered sediments.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its glassy sheen, hardness (it should scratch ordinary glass), lack of cleavage, and white translucent color; common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
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