mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining (tan/orange patches); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or by precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specimen appears water-worn, likely found in a riverbed or coastal environment where it was tumbled over time.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronic oscillators (piezoelectric properties), and as a common gemstone or landscaping material.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its characteristic white color from microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and resistance to chemical weathering. It is found globally in almost all geological environments.