mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to creamy tan/brown due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to creamy tan/brown due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 17, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas and/or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, as a flux in smelting, and frequently used as landscaping stone or for decorative gravel.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of quartz found globally.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy/greasy luster on fresh surfaces. It is found in almost every geological environment.