mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

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

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky Quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Forms from the cooling of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal fluids in veins. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments across all geological eras.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and abrasives. High-purity specimens are used in electronics and as semi-precious gemstones in jewelry.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from minute fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. Common globally in mountain ranges and riverbeds.