mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to light pinkish-orange hues due to iron oxides; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to light pinkish-orange hues due to iron oxides
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydro-thermal veins and pegmatites during cooling of magmatic fluid, where fluid inclusions of gas and liquids create the cloudy or milky white opacity.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, ceramics, electronics (piezoelectric applications when pure), construction aggregates, landscaping, and gemstone carving or tumbled decorative stones.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Its characteristic white cloudy appearance is caused by millions of microscopic fluid bubbles trapped during crystal formation.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its Mohs hardness of 7 (cannot be scratched by a steel blade), lack of cleavage, and waxy to vitreous greasy luster. Extremely common worldwide, found in quartz veins, gravel deposits, and igneous rocks.