mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It can be found in a variety of geological ages and is one of the most common minerals in the Earth's crust.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, as an abrasive, in the semiconductor industry when high purity is present, and as a decorative stone in landscaping or jewelry as cabochons.

Geological facts

The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is a major component of most sands and granite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its white color, inability to be scratched by steel, and lack of cleavage planes. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and as garden stones globally.