mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White, off-white, light cream, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White, off-white, light cream, translucent to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White, off-white, light cream, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. Milky appearance is caused by tiny gas or liquid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive, in glass manufacturing, electronics (silicon source), lapidary work, and common landscape or decorative rock collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from millions of microscopic fluid bubbles trapped within the crystal structure.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and typical cloudy white appearance. Commonly found worldwide in stream beds, gravel pits, and mountainous regions.