mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cool in veins and fissures. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found throughout geological history in all rock types.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry as tumbled stones, historical use in glass making, and modern industrial use in electronics, silicon production, and abrasive manufacturing.
Geological facts
The white color is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common mineral on Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and milky appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and beaches worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary