mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to milky translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), SG: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to milky translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), SG: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites when silicon-enriched fluids cool deep within the earth's crust. It is common in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, semiconductor manufacturing, watch oscillators, and as a decorative stone in landscaping or jewelry.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by minute fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass, its milky white color, and the lack of cleavage (it breaks in irregular, curved shards). Found globally in mountainous regions and riverbeds.
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