mineral

White Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed from the crystallization of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is found in a wide variety of geological environments ranging from igneous plutons to metamorphic basement rocks and sedimentary deposits.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction as an aggregate, and widely carved into decorative items, jewelry, and metaphysical 'healing' crystals.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and steel, its lack of cleavage, and its waxy/greasy luster when broken. It is globally abundant, found in most mountain ranges and gravel deposits.