mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 Mohs
Color: Milky white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and common in pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth. Can be found in rocks from almost any geological age.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, jewelry (as cabochons or beads), gemstone therapy/collecting, and as an abrasive in industrial applications.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky Quartz specifically gets its opacity from microscopic bubbles of liquid or gas trapped millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent white color. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous regions globally. It is a fundamental mineral for rock-hounding beginners.