mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. The milky opacity is caused by microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone in tumbled form, in glass making, as an abrasive, in electronic components (piezoelectric properties), and widely as an ornamental stone in landscaping.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically is common in gold-bearing quartz veins and was historically used by miners as a signpost for gold deposits.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), white color, and lack of cleavage planes. It is ubiquitous globally, often found in riverbeds, mountain ranges, and gravel pits.