mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silica / Silicon Dioxide), SiO2

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale (can scratch glass); Color: Opaque 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 (can scratch glass)
Color: Opaque white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy

Identified March 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments. Milky quartz specifically gets its opaque color from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is found in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used widely in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, and in the production of silicon wafers for electronics. In jewelry, it is often used for beads or carvings and is popular among gemstone collectors and enthusiasts of metaphysical healing.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is one of the most abundant minerals on Earth's crust. Its white appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of water or gas that block light from passing through clearly, distinguishing it from 'Rock Crystal' quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (7), white color, and uneven/glassy fracture. It is ubiquitous globally and frequently found in stream beds or as veins in darker rock. For collectors, look for pieces with distinct crystal faces or interesting host rock associations.

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