mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White, cloudy, or colorless; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White, cloudy, or colorless
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White, cloudy, or colorless; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in veins and pegmatites. It is found in all geological ages from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, ceramics, high-frequency electronics, precision optical equipment, and as decorative stone in landscaping or jewelry.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped during the crystal's growth. It is one of the most common minerals on the Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass) and lack of cleavage. Often found in riverbeds or near mountain ranges. Collectors look for unique inclusions or distinct terminations.