mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Identified July 7, 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; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as the constituent of many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used commercially as an abrasive, in the production of glass and ceramics, as landscape stone, and sometimes in jewelry or lapidary work.

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

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Extremely common in gravel pits, riverbeds, and as veins in mountains.