mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified May 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms from the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in veins and pegmatites. It can be found in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, as an abrasive, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), as decorative garden stone, and in affordable jewelry or metaphysical collections.

Geological facts

The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid (fluid inclusions) trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and quartz veins in mountain ranges.