mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to off-white with minor iron staining; 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 off-white with minor iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to off-white with minor iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Forms through hydrothermal crystallization in veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic settings where silica-rich fluids cool and precipitate over long geological periods.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, silicon production, electronics (piezoelectric applications), abrasives, decorative stones, and landscaping.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped inside the crystal during its growth millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its scratch resistance (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, white translucent appearance, and uneven conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide in gravel beds, mountain veins, and river deposits.
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