mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, milky, or cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White, milky, or cloudy
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, milky, or cloudy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous intrusions like pegmatites. It derives its milky appearance from tiny fluid inclusions trapped during growth.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone for beads/cabochons, source of silica for glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, and widely used in landscaping and decoration.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of clear cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Often found in riverbeds, mountain veins, and as pebbles in sedimentary environments.