mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified June 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous pegmatites. It can be found across all geological ages and in many environments ranging from metamorphic belts to sedimentary deposits.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, abrasive blasting, high-tech ceramics, or as a decorative landscaping stone. In jewelry, it is often used for beads or cabochons.

Geological facts

The milky white color is caused by millions of microscopic bubbles of fluid or gas trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), its white waxy appearance, and lack of cleavage (it breaks in irregular, curvy shards). Common in riverbeds and mountainous terrain.