mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

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

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky Quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments globally, often dating back hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, as a flux in metallurgy, and in the production of silicon semiconductors. Also popular for ornamental use and gemstone collecting.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its white color from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is one of the most common minerals on the Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (stars glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'milky' appearance. It is found in abundance in mountain ranges, stream beds, and gravel pits.