mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 23, 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

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

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or from slow crystallization in igneous pegmatites. It is ubiquitous across all geological eras.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), gemstones (cabochons), and as a landscaping or construction aggregate.

Geological facts

The milky white color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), white color, and lack of cleavage. Often found in riverbeds or near mountain ranges where vein-type deposits have weathered out.