mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Color: Opaque white; Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Color: Opaque white; Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed during the final stages of hydrothermal mineral vein crystallization or in pegmatites. The cloudy white color is caused by microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of silicon for electronics, as an abrasive in sandblasting, in glassmaking, and as common landscaping or decorative stone.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found in nature.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'milky' appearance. It is found globally in many geological environments but is especially common in hydrothermal veins.