mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears massive and somewhat iron-stained or weathered.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids fill fractures or crystallize in igneous and metamorphic rocks; quartz is widespread from Precambrian to modern geological settings. Exact age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, electronics, and ornamental objects; attractive pieces are collected but this rough specimen is not typically jewelry grade.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is chemically resistant, commonly surviving weathering as sand or gravel.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy appearance, hardness—scratching ordinary glass—and lack of cleavage; common localities include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and virtually all continents. The image alone cannot exclude calcite or feldspar without hardness or acid tests.