mineral
White Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to milky white
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal System: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms in a wide variety of geological environments, most commonly in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, manufacturing of glass, gemstones, ornamental items, and spiritual or metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its white color from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and distinct conchoidal fracture. Found worldwide in nearly every geological setting.
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Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
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mineral