mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. Common in igneous and metamorphic rocks across many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, ceramics, as an abrasive, in construction as aggregate, and in landscaping or ornamental jewelry.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. Common in many terrains, look for white veins in darker rock outcrops.
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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
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock