mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent, often with yellowish iron staining; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified March 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or as a cooling product of magma in pegmatites and veins. It can be found in rocks from nearly every geological age.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and electronics (as a source of silica). It is also used as a gemstone (cabochons), or for landscaping, construction aggregate, and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from minute fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'milky' appearance with a waxy or greasy surface when broken. Found globally in mountainous regions, riverbeds, and as veins in granite.