mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining (orange/brown); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent with iron staining (orange/brown)
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining (orange/brown); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or crystallizing from cooling magma in pegmatites. It is one of the most common minerals in Earth's crust, found across all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), countertops, and as a decorative landscaping stone or spiritual crystal.
Geological facts
The milky color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the official state mineral of Arkansas.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and common occurrence in veins within granite or metamorphic boulders. Extremely common worldwide.
More like this
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
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock