mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent off-white with brownish surface staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal System: Trigonal. Cleavage: Poor/None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: ~2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 27, 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

Formation & geological history

Forms through hydrothermal crystallization in igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks. The milky appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during growth. Found across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, ceramics, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric crystals), and as decorative stone or gravel in landscaping. Rough specimens are popular among amateur rock collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its opaque white appearance from tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during crystal formation.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (scratches glass and steel), lack of distinct cleavage, milky white coloration, and conchoidal fracture surface. Commonly found worldwide in mountain ranges, gravel beds, and quartz veins.