mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

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

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

Identified June 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed during the final stages of hydrothermal mineral crystallization in veins or pegmatites. The white color is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas and liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in construction as aggregate, in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, and for decorative landscaping or lapidary work.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. Milky quartz specifically is opaque due to tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during its formation millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in mountain ranges, riverbeds, and as veins in igneous and metamorphic rocks globally.