mineral

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

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

Identified July 21, 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 the Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and common in various igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Its cloudy appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, as gravel in construction, and as a collector's specimen.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic milky white color. It is often found as veins in host rock or as smooth pebbles in riverbeds.