mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite. The white color is caused by tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as a source of silica for glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, in decorative landscaping, and for metaphysical or collectible purposes.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically gets its 'cloudy' appearance from microscopic bubbles of water or air.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass), its lack of cleavage, and its waxy/vitreous luster. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous terrain worldwide.
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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