mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or from slow crystallization in igneous pegmatites. It is ubiquitous across all geological eras.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), gemstones (cabochons), and as a landscaping or construction aggregate.
Geological facts
The milky white color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. Often found in riverbeds or near mountain ranges where vein-type deposits have weathered out.
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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
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral