mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

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

Identified July 14, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. Milky quartz gets its characteristic white color from microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth. It can be found in a wide range of geological ages from Precambrian to recent.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a component in concrete. In jewelry, it is often used for beads or cabochons. It is also highly valued as a desktop specimen or a entry-level mineral for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. 'Milky quartz' is often cited as the most common variety of quartz. The gas or liquid inclusions that give it its color can provide geologists with clues about the temperature and pressure conditions at the time of formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. It is commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and near igneous intrusions worldwide. Collectors should look for pieces with interesting shapes or those containing secondary minerals.