mineral

Cloudy Quartz (or Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to semi-translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified April 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal solutions in veins. Cloudy appearance is caused by microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry (cabochons), interior decoration, metaphysical practices, and as a source of silica for glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7) and lack of cleavage. It is found globally, particularly in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.

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