mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to cloudy
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified April 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal prisms); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous pegmatites. It is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust, found in geological environments spanning billions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction aggregates, as a flux in metallurgy, and widely collected as mineral specimens.

Geological facts

The milky white appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'cloudy' appearance. It is found globally in veins, mountains, and stream beds.