mineral
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Milky white to translucent white
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous rocks through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. The milky white opacity is caused by minute fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Carved for decorative items, pocket stones, jewelry, crystal healing, and lapidary art. Industrial quartz is used in electronics and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is one of the most common varieties of crystalline quartz found on Earth. The milky appearance is created by microscopic bubbles of gas or liquid trapped inside as the crystal grew.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its white, milky translucency, inability to be scratched by a steel blade (hardness 7), and conchoidal fracture. Very commonly carved into shapes like stars, hearts, and spheres for collectors.
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