mineral

Quartz (Milky variant)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Milky to translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified May 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Milky to translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found in almost all geological environments regardless of age.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a crushed stone in construction and road building.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white streak. Found globally in riverbeds, mountains, and plains as pebbles or veins in larger rock bodies.