mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to pale translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

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

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to pale translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a late-stage crystallization in igneous rocks like granite. The cloudiness is caused by tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used for making glass, ceramics, abrasives, and as a component in concrete. In jewelry, it is often used for beads or cabochons. It is also common in landscaping and rock collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz. Its white color is often due to microscopic fluid inclusions of gas and liquids that have been trapped during crystal formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), cloudy appearance, and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost all rock-producing environments, particularly in mountains and as pebbles in riverbeds.