mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloud white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Cloud white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous/waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloud white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the cooling of molten rock or by precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust, found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as decorative stones or carvings in the lapidary arts.
Geological facts
The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic greasy/vitreous luster. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous terrain.
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Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
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Metamorphic Rock
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Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
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