mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to off-white, translucent to opaque. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal system: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to off-white, translucent to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and igneous or metamorphic rock environments. The white color is caused by tiny fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used as raw material for producing silicon metal, glass manufacturing, decorative landscaping, aggregate, and as a common specimen for educational and rockhounding collections.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's surface. Its milky white appearance comes from millions of microscopic bubbles of gas and liquid trapped within the crystal matrix.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its hardness (scratches glass, cannot be scratched by steel), glassy to dull luster, lack of cleavage, and characteristic white/off-white hue. Found abundantly worldwide in riverbeds, gravels, and mountain veins.