mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to pale gray, opaque and massive, with a vitreous-to-dull luster and no visible crystal faces. Mohs hardness 7; hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and uneven to conchoidal fracture; the image alone cannot confirm composition.
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
White to pale gray, opaque and massive, with a vitreous-to-dull luster and no visible crystal faces. Mohs hardness 7; hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and uneven to conchoidal fracture; the image alone cannot confirm composition.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins and fractures, or during cooling of silica-rich magma. Quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages and settings.
Uses & applications
Used for decorative stone, carvings, countertops, and mineral collections; quartz is also an important industrial source of silica, though this specimen’s suitability is unknown.
Geological facts
Milky color comes from microscopic fluid or gas inclusions that scatter light.
Field identification & locations
A likely identification from the white, massive appearance; check for glassy fracture and ability to scratch glass, while noting that other pale rocks can look similar. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins.
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