mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cool in veins and fissures. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found throughout geological history in all rock types.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry as tumbled stones, historical use in glass making, and modern industrial use in electronics, silicon production, and abrasive manufacturing.
Geological facts
The white color is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common mineral on Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and milky appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and beaches worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic