mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent with iron oxide staining (yellowish-brown accents). Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic environments during cooling of silica-rich solutions under high pressure and temperature. Milky appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, ceramics, abrasive materials, electronics (as a piezoelectric material), decorative carvings, landscape design, and gemstone collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its opaque white color from tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped inside the crystal structure as it formed millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its scratch resistance (scratches glass, hard steel), lack of cleavage, vitreous luster, and white-to-stained color. Found worldwide in quartz veins, granite outcrops, gravel pits, and riverbeds. Very common for rockhounding.