mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Cloudy white to translucent, Luster: Vitreous/glassy to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: Cloudy white to translucent, Luster: Vitreous/glassy to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or magma in veins and pegmatites. It is found in all geological ages and environments.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction aggregates, and as decorative gravel or gemstone cabochons.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic inclusions of liquid or gas trapped during the crystal's growth. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. Often found in quartz veins or as weathered pebbles in riverbeds and soil.
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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
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