mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: White to translucent/clear, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65

Identified July 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs), Color: White to translucent/clear, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly by crystallizing from cooling magma or precipitating from hydrothermal veins. This specimen likely originated from a vein within the Ouachita Mountains region.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The location provided is near the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, which is world-famous for producing some of the highest quality quartz crystals on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage (it breaks like glass with curved surfaces rather than flat planes). It is common in riverbeds and mountainous terrain in Arkansas.