mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to creamy
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, abrasives, electronics (as oscillators), and as a landscaping or decorative stone. High-purity quartz is used in the manufacture of silicon wafers.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically gets its color from microscopic bubbles of water or CO2 trapped inside.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its white color, inability to be scratched by a steel knife, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost all geological environments, especially in hydrothermal veins.