mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins, granitic pegmatites, and as a primary constituent in igneous rocks. The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and frequently as decorative garden stone or as a collector mineral.
Geological facts
Quartz is the most abundant and diverse mineral on Earth's surface. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, white color, and greasy luster on fresh surfaces. Commonly found in gravel pits and mountain veins.
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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