mineral
Quartz (Milky Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white to pale cream color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (Milky Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white to pale cream color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, ceramics, electronics (piezoelectric applications), abrasives, and as decorative gravel or mineral specimens.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Pure quartz is clear, but microscopic fluid gas/liquid bubbles turn it milky white.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its ability to easily scratch glass and steel, lack of cleavage, milky translucency, and hexagonal/crystalline texture. Found abundantly worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock