mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to milky translucent with iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified July 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. Often found in hydrothermal environments where silica-rich fluids cool in rock fractures. Its age can range from hundreds of millions to billions of years depending on the host rock formation.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, as an abrasive, and in the production of silicon for electronics. In larger forms, it is used for landscaping, construction aggregate, and as a decorative stone.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic milky white color. It is commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as garden landscaping rocks. Look for the waxy or glassy luster on fresh surfaces.