mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Opaque white to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Opaque white to milky
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Opaque white to milky; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Can be found in almost all geological environments and ages.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, ceramics, as a source for silicon, and in jewelry as cabochons or beads. Also used extensively in construction as aggregate.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It is often found in gold-bearing veins and served as a historical indicator for prospectors.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white milky color, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in many rock types including granite and sandstone.
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