mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified April 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. It can be found in a wide variety of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments globally.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a raw material for silicon production. In polished form, it is used for jewelry, home decor, and 'healing' crystals. Historically used as a component in concrete and grit.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped within the crystal during its growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its 7 hardness (scratches glass but isn't scratched by metal), lack of cleavage, and white, opaque appearance. Found frequently as pebbles in riverbeds or as veins in granite outcrops.