mineral

Quartz (Milky Quartz)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

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

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling and crystallization of silica-rich magma or hydrothermal fluids in igneous and metamorphic environments. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust and can be found across all geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), abrasives, construction aggregates, and as gemstones for jewelry and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its opaque white appearance from tiny bubbles of liquid or gas trapped within the crystals during formation. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic glassy luster on broken surfaces. It is found globally in pegmatites, veins, and as a primary component of granitic rocks.