mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to creamy
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of magma or by precipitation from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Can be found in almost any geological environment.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a component in concrete. Some aesthetic pieces are used for landscaping or carving. Crystals with high purity are used in electronics for their piezoelectric properties.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It can sometimes contain minute amounts of gold within its veins in certain geological settings.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7) and its lack of cleavage. In the field, look for a greasy luster on fresh breaks. It is ubiquitous in mountainous regions and riverbeds globally.