mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent tan
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal activity where mineral-rich water cools in rock fractures or as a primary constituent in igneous pegmatites. It is found in geological formations ranging from the Archean era to recent deposits.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, ceramics, as a flux in metallurgy, in construction as aggregate, and occasionally tumbled for jewelry or sold as metaphysical healing stones.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its white color from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. It is found worldwide, especially in mountain ranges and stream beds.