mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to pale yellowish; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to pale yellowish
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to pale yellowish; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. It is found in veins and large masses worldwide, across all geological eras from Precambrian to the present.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and semiconductors. Commonly used for landscaping and as decorative gravel.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Its cloudy appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white milky appearance. Found nearly everywhere, particularly in mountainous regions and riverbeds.