mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 2, 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: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms during the final stages of magma crystallization in igneous rocks or through hydrothermal precipitation in veins. Its white color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. High-purity quartz is used in electronics for its piezoelectric properties. Common in landscaping and as a decorative collector specimen.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. While it lacks the clarity of rock crystal, it can form massive veins that span several kilometers and often acts as a host for gold deposits.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic milky appearance. Found globally in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic veins.