mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to pale yellowish-cream, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (Hexagonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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 (Mohs scale), Color: White to pale yellowish-cream, 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 in veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, construction as a base material, abrasives, and as a low-cost ornamental stone or landscaping rock.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. While it lacks the clarity of rock crystal, it can contain traces of gold in hydrothermal vein deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its characteristic waxy luster and inability to be scratched by a steel knife. It is found globally, particularly in mountainous regions and riverbeds.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous