mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7.0 Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.0 Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous rocks through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It is found in rocks of varying geological ages from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction material (aggregate), and as gemstones or landscaping stones.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white color. Found globally in mountainous regions, riverbeds, and as a major constituent in granite.