mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining (yellow/brown); Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent with iron staining (yellow/brown)
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 19, 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 is found in all three rock types (igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary) due to its chemical stability and abundance.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone in necklaces, as high-grade silica for electronics and glass manufacturing, and in construction as an aggregate.

Geological facts

The milky white appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), conchoidal fracture pattern, and lack of cleavage. Extremely common in river beds, beaches, and mountain trails globally.