mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified July 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. It is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments globally.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive in glassmaking, in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, and as a landscaping stone or decorative gemstone.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white cloudy appearance. It is one of the most common minerals on Earth's crust and is often found as float in stream beds.