mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. The white, opaque appearance is caused by tiny gas or liquid fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive, in glassmaking, ceramics, electronics (silicon extraction), landscaping, and as an ornamental stone.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's continental crust. Its white color is due to millions of microscopic bubbles of gas and liquid trapped inside as the quartz grew.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by steel), lack of cleavage, white translucent color, and greasy-to-vitreous luster. Extremely common worldwide.