mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and as a gemstone or decorative stone in landscaping and jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Historically, it has been used for making stone tools due to its hardness and predictable fracture patterns.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass and steel), its white/cloudy appearance, and lack of cleavage (it breaks in irregular, curved 'conchoidal' shards). Commonly found in quartz veins and mountain ranges worldwide.