mineral
Milky Quartz
Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness: 7; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness: 7; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich magma or hot geothermal fluids. Can be found in almost all geological environments and ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, abrasive materials, construction aggregate, and as a semi-precious stone in jewelry and carvings. Also used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The white color in milky quartz is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Identifiable by its white color, inability to be scratched by steel, and lack of cleavage. Often found as rounded pebbles in riverbeds or as veins in harder rock outcrops.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
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