mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture. Trigonal crystal system, though this small rough fragment shows no obvious crystal form or cleavage.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture. Trigonal crystal system, though this small rough fragment shows no obvious crystal form or cleavage.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins or cavities, and is also common in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Quartz is widespread across rocks of many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used for ornaments, beads, and mineral collecting; industrial quartz is important in glass, ceramics, and electronics, though this fragment is too small for most industrial uses.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has no true cleavage, commonly breaking with curved or uneven surfaces.

Field identification & locations

The white, cloudy appearance and glassy luster are consistent with milky quartz, but the photo alone cannot confirm identification. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granitic or metamorphic terrain.