mineral

Milky Quartz

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

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

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Cloudy white to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified March 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The milky appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Can be found in geological environments spanning billions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectric properties), construction as an aggregate, and for decorative purposes in jewelry or landscaping.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky Quartz specifically gets its white color from tiny bubbles of water or carbon dioxide trapped inside as it formed.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white 'milky' appearance. Extremely common globally, found in pegmatites, mountain ranges, and as river pebbles.