mineral

Quartz (White/Milky)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White/Milky to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White/Milky to translucent
Luster: Vitreous/Glassy

Identified July 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White/Milky to translucent; Luster: Vitreous/Glassy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or from hydrothermal veins. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust, occurring in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.

Uses & applications

Widely used in glassmaking, abrasives, foundry sand, and as a gemstone (tumbled or faceted). Also used in the electronics industry for its piezoelectric properties.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for a glassy luster and characteristic conchoidal (shell-like) fracturing on broken surfaces.