mineral
Quartz (Milky / Massive Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to light tan/greyish; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal to uneven fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to light tan/greyish
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to light tan/greyish; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal to uneven fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal processes, crystallization from cooling magmas in igneous rocks, or precipitated in sedimentary and metamorphic environments. Found worldwide across various geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric applications), abrasives, gemstone jewelry, and widely collected as ornamental mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is transparent, but microscopic gas/fluid inclusions give milky quartz its cloudy appearance.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its scratch hardness (scratches glass readily, cannot be scratched by steel nail), lack of cleavage, and vitreous to waxy luster. Commonly found in gravel beds, mountain streams, and quartz veins.
