mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 Mohs
Color: White to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, and as a primary mineral in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Milky color caused by minute fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative stone or landscaping material.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudiness from tiny microscopic bubbles of gas or liquid trapped when the crystal formed.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic greasy luster on fractured surfaces. Extremely common worldwide.