mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White, translucent to opaque with a vitreous luster; hardness 7 Mohs, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and a hexagonal crystal structure. The specimen appears rough and irregular, possibly a broken quartz fragment.

Identified August 25, 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 when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; quartz is common from Precambrian to present-day formations. Its cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions or defects.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, ceramics, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are collected, though this fragment is unlikely to be jewelry grade.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to weathering, making it common in sand and sediment. Milky quartz commonly occurs with feldspar, mica, and metallic ores.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its white translucent appearance, glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and granitic or metamorphic terrains.