mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms from the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. They are found across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass and ceramics, as an abrasive in sandpaper, as a source for silicon metal, and widely used in landscaping and crystal healing collections.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. While other quartz varieties are valued for their clarity or color, the white color here is due to microscopic fluid inclusions that occurred as the crystal grew billions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque appearance. It is extremely common in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins worldwide.