mineral
Milky Quartz
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to creamy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to creamy
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to creamy; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal veins or within igneous pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, abrasive materials, electronics (as a piezoelectric material), and as decorative landscaping stones or metaphysical healing crystals.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically gets its color from microscopic bubbles of water or CO2 that scatter light.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. It is found globally, often appearing as veins inside other rock types.
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