mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Cloudy white to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used as a major source of silicon, in glassmaking, as an abrasive, and widely in jewelry or home decor as tumbled stones.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Historically, it was used by ancient civilizations for tools and sharp edges before the widespread use of metal.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its waxy luster, hardness (will scratch glass), and lack of cleavage. Often found near granite outcrops or in stream beds as rounded pebbles.
More like this
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
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic