mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a vitreous to waxy luster; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. This rough specimen appears massive and granular, with possible minor iron-oxide or feldspar inclusions.

Identified August 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks. Quartz is geologically widespread and occurs from Precambrian terrains through modern hydrothermal environments.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; attractive translucent pieces are used decoratively or as inexpensive lapidary material.

Geological facts

The cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities rather than a different quartz species.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its hardness—scratching ordinary glass—lack of cleavage, and typically pale translucent color; common worldwide in quartz veins, granites, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks.