mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to creamy-white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White to creamy-white
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 28, 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 (Mohs scale); Color: White to creamy-white; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. They can be found in rocks from virtually any geological age.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of silicon for electronics, as an abrasive in sandblasting, in construction as aggregate, and occasionally as semiprecious gemstones or for metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz and is often found in large, massive vein deposits.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. It is extremely common in stream beds and mountainous regions worldwide.