mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a late-stage crystallization product in igneous rocks. Found in geological environments ranging from Precambrian to Holocene.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), jewelry, and as a landscaping stone.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation. It is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white waxy appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and mining tailings worldwide.