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, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and a hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears massive and weathered rather than visibly crystalline.

Identified September 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; individual pieces may range from ancient Precambrian material to geologically recent vein deposits.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and decorative objects; attractive translucent pieces are collected or occasionally cut as gemstones.

Geological facts

Its cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or dispersed mineral impurities. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, the Alps, and many U.S. localities. Testable clues are its scratch resistance against ordinary steel or glass, lack of cleavage, and white translucent appearance; the image could also represent weathered calcite, which requires hardness or acid testing for confirmation.