mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 7, vitreous to pearly luster, white/translucent appearance, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears to be a rough, translucent milky-quartz fragment, possibly partly prism-shaped.

Identified September 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or igneous melts crystallize in veins and cavities; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph. It occurs in many rock types and geological settings worldwide.

Uses & applications

Used for decorative stone, countertops, abrasives, glass and industrial silica; attractive crystals are collected, though this piece appears modestly valuable.

Geological facts

Milky color results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically resistant minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy translucence, hardness, lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Common localities include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and worldwide quartz veins.