mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

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

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites during the cooling of magma. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as a source of silica for glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, and in jewelry/beads. Large quantities are used in the construction and electronics industries.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Look for its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Often found in white veins within darker rock types or as rounded pebbles in riverbeds.