mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to creamy tan/brown due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to creamy tan/brown due to iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to creamy tan/brown due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, as a flux in smelting, and frequently used as landscaping stone or for decorative gravel.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz found globally.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy/greasy luster on fresh surfaces. It is found in almost every geological environment.
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