mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to pale yellow; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to pale yellow
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to pale yellow; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites from silica-rich fluids. It is often found as a late-stage mineral in igneous rocks or as a major component of metamorphic rocks. Geological age can range from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, ceramics, abrasives, and as a landscaping stone. Also used as a metaphysical crystal and sometimes as a source for high-purity silicon in electronics.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its white, opaque appearance from tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch steel and glass), white streak, and lack of cleavage planes. One of the most ubiquitous minerals globally, common in mountain ranges and riverbeds.