mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Mohs hardness of 7; Color: milky white, opaque to translucent; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when tumbled; Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal); Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Color: milky white, opaque to translucent
Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when tumbled

Identified June 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Mohs hardness of 7; Color: milky white, opaque to translucent; Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when tumbled; Crystal structure: Trigonal (hexagonal); Cleavage: none; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or by precipitation from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, ceramics, as an abrasive, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, and widely used in jewelry and lapidary as tumbled stones or cabochons.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Its white color is often due to fluid inclusions that have been trapped since the crystal formed, making it a geological 'time capsule'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (will scratch glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. Often found in vein deposits or as pebbles in riverbeds. Very common in igneous and metamorphic terrains globally.