mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), likely massive to small-crystalline variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale cream-white, translucent in places, with a vitreous to dull luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The photo does not show enough detail to confirm the identification.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms as silica-rich fluids cool in fractures and veins, or crystallizes from magma; it occurs in rocks of many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glassmaking, ceramics, and electronics; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and often occurs with iron-oxide or clay staining that can give it a beige color.

Field identification & locations

A scratch test against glass and absence of cleavage can help distinguish quartz, though testing may damage a small specimen. Found worldwide in veins, pegmatites, and many sedimentary and metamorphic rocks.