mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to grey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to grey
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified January 12, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to grey; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of magma or by hydrothermal precipitation from hot fluids in veins. Found in various geological ages from Precambrian to Recent; milky appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as a source of silicon for electronics, in construction as aggregate, and as a semi-precious gemstone for jewelry or metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is often found in massive form rather than distinct crystals and frequently hosts inclusions of other minerals like gold or pyrite in hydrothermal veins.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and characteristic cloudy appearance. It is found globally in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments, particularly in quartz veins and pegmatites.