mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/tan due to fluid inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to off-white/tan due to fluid inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from cooling hydrothermal veins or as a primary mineral in igneous rocks like granite. It is found in rocks from all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in glass making, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a component in concrete and mortar. Higher quality specimens are used for jewelry or carving.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny gas or liquid bubbles trapped during the crystal's formation.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and translucent appearance. It is found globally across almost all terrain types.