mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to off-white
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments through the cooling of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be of any geological age.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, as a flux in metallurgy, and widely in jewelry and landscaping.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as garden stones globally.