mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 mohs. Color: Opaque white. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 mohs
- Color
- Opaque white
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 mohs. Color: Opaque white. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent of igneous rocks like granite. The white color is caused by microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative gemstones or landscape stones.
Geological facts
Milky Quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Historically, it was used by humans to make stone tools where flint was unavailable.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), white milky appearance, and lack of obvious cleavage. Often found near granite outcrops or in stream beds as tumbled pebbles.
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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