mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Milky color caused by minute fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative stone or landscaping material.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudiness from tiny microscopic bubbles of gas or liquid trapped when the crystal formed.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic greasy luster on fractured surfaces. Extremely common worldwide.
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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