mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Identified May 29, 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: Cloudy white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or within igneous pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, abrasive materials, electronics (as oscillators), and widely used in jewelry (cabochons) and landscaping.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz specifically gets its appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions that scatter light.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy/greasy luster on broken surfaces. It is ubiquitous in mountainous regions and riverbeds worldwide.