mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

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

Identified July 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Cloudy white to gray; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich solutions under high pressure and temperature. Milky quartz gets its appearance from tiny fluid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, silicon production for electronics, and as decorative gravel or landscaping stones. Lower-grade specimens are common in beginner rock collections.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. It can be found in almost every geological environment and often forms the matrix for gold veins.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent 'milky' white color. It is ubiquitous in mountainous and riverbed environments worldwide.