
mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to cloudy translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to cloudy translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/Greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to cloudy translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a late-stage crystallization in igneous rocks like granite. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics as a source of silicon, as an abrasive, in glassmaking, and commonly used in landscaping or as healing crystals in the metaphysical community.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found in large veins that can be several meters thick and can serve as a host rock for gold deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. It is found globally across all continents in virtually all geological environments.
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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