mineral

Quartz (Citrine/Milky variety)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellow to white/translucent; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale yellow to white/translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz (Citrine/Milky variety) in the encyclopedia →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. Often found in igneous rocks like granite or metamorphic rocks like quartzite.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry (gemstones), and as a popular collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Citrine, the yellow variety, is often called the 'Success Stone' in folklore and is the birthstone for November.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds and mountainous regions globally. Look for glassy luster and hexagonal crystal faces in well-formed specimens.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock