mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent milky white, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent milky white, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or as a late-stage crystallization in igneous rocks like granite. Common in all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone, in glassmaking, as an abrasive, and in the production of silicon for electronics and solar cells.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic white waxy luster. Found worldwide in massive outcrops and hydrothermal veins.
More like this
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