mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Mohs hardness 7.0; white to translucent; waxy to vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system (though often massive); conchoidal fracture; specific gravity 2.65.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7.0; white to translucent; waxy to vitreous luster; hexagonal crystal system (though often massive); conchoidal fracture; specific gravity 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes in veins or within igneous intrusions like pegmatites. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as architectural stone or decorative gravel.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it scratches glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Often found as white veins cutting through other rock types or as river-worn pebbles.
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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
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