mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to yellowish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to yellowish
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified April 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal solutions in veins. The white 'milky' color is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, abrasives, as a flux in metallurgy, and in the production of silicon wafers for electronics. Also popular for landscaping, lapidary work, and spiritual collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz and can often be found as a host rock for gold in hydrothermal veins.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent to opaque white appearance. It is found globally, particularly in areas with granite or metamorphic outcrops.