mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to light gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to light gray
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to light gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or within igneous pegmatites as magma cools. Milky quartz gets its appearance from millions of microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive in sandpaper, in glassmaking, as a component of concrete and mortar, and as a decorative stone in landscaping and jewelry (as cabochons).

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It can often be found in gold-bearing veins, leading prospectors to associate white quartz outcrops with potential gold deposits.