mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to tan/orange (due to iron staining), Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal System: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified June 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the crystallization of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids. This specific specimen appears to be water-worn, likely collected from a riverbed or coastal area.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction aggregates, and as decorative gravel or tumbled stones for hobbyists.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. This specimen shows smoothed edges from erosion (tumbled texture) and iron-oxide staining which gives it the tan-orange hue. It is found globally in almost all geological environments.