mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White/Opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White/Opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White/Opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites by the cooling of silica-rich solutions in the Earth's crust. It can occur in almost any geological age.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative landscape stone or gemstones.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy white appearance from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. Commonly found in mountain ranges and riverbeds globally.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous