mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary constituent in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Many specimens date back millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, as an abrasive, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), and frequently as decorative landscaping stone or for metaphysical collecting.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Common worldwide, especially in areas with granite bedrock or mountain ranges.
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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
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
Calcite–fluorite mineral specimen with iron-oxide staining
Calcite (CaCO₃), likely fluorite (CaF₂), with possible quartz and iron/manganese oxides
mineral