
mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, and frequently in jewelry or as decorative landscaping stones.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Its signature white color is actually due to microscopic bubbles from more than 2 billion years of geological activity.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. It is commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and widespread worldwide.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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