mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to yellowish/tan due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to yellowish/tan due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified March 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of magma or hydrothermal activity in veins. The 'milky' appearance is caused by microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. They are found in all geological ages from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Used as a common aggregate in construction, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, and as a source of silicon for electronics. Lower-grade specimens are used for landscaping or as decorative garden stones.

Geological facts

Milky Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth's crust. It often contains gold in hydrothermal veins, leading it to be a primary target for gold prospectors throughout history.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will easily scratch glass), its lack of cleavage, and its characteristic waxy, opaque white appearance. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and mountain outcrops globally.