mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to cream with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and translucent areas. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with uneven to conchoidal fracture. The rough, irregular piece appears naturally weathered.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to cream with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and translucent areas. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with uneven to conchoidal fracture. The rough, irregular piece appears naturally weathered.
Formation & geological history
Quartz commonly forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins or cavities, or in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Its age cannot be determined from the image; quartz deposits range from recent to billions of years old.
Uses & applications
Used as a decorative and lapidary material, and industrially as a source of silica for glass, ceramics, and electronics.
Geological facts
Milky color results from microscopic fluid or gas inclusions that scatter light.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy translucence, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and lack of cleavage. Quartz is widespread in veins and many rock types worldwide; confirm identification with hardness and streak tests.
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Mineral