RocksdayAlbite vs Milky Quartz
To tell Albite from Milky Quartz: Albite is softer and shows flat cleavage faces.
The sodium-rich plagioclase feldspar. In pegmatites it forms white platy crystals that often host tourmaline and other gems.
Photo: Rock Currier, CC BY 3.0
The common white quartz. The cloudiness is light scattering off microscopic fluid bubbles trapped as the crystal grew.
Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0
Key differences
- Albite is softer and shows flat cleavage faces.
Side by side
| Property | Albite | Milky Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous to pearly | Vitreous to greasy |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | White, Clear | White |
| Crystal system | Triclinic | Trigonal |
| Specific gravity | 2.6–2.65 | 2.65 |
| Formula | NaAlSi₃O₈ | SiO₂ |
| Found in | Minas Gerais, Brazil; Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan | Arkansas; Minas Gerais, Brazil |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify albite
- White, platy or bladed crystals.
- Fine parallel striations on cleavage faces.
- Hardness about 6.
Crystal system: Triclinic
Full Albite guide →How to identify milky quartz
- White and translucent rather than glassy-clear.
- Hardness 7 — scratches glass, no cleavage.
- Often massive veins or chunky crystals.
Crystal system: Trigonal
Full Milky Quartz guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between albite and milky quartz?
Albite is a mineral (NaAlSi₃O₈) with a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5 and a vitreous to pearly luster, usually white or colorless. Milky Quartz is a mineral (SiO₂) with a Mohs hardness of 7 and a vitreous to greasy luster, usually white.
How can you tell albite from milky quartz?
Albite is softer and shows flat cleavage faces.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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