Comparison · Quartz Family
Milky Quartz vs Clear Quartz
Milky Quartz and Clear Quartz are easy to confuse because both are quartz family. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Milky Quartz and Clear Quartz
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Milky Quartz is Translucent to nearly opaque, Clear Quartz is transparent.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Milky Quartz is Trigonal, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Milky Quartz vs Clear Quartz properties
| Property | Milky Quartz | Clear Quartz |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Quartz Family |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | Vitreous, greasy | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Translucent to nearly opaque | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | hexagonal |
| Common colors | Milky white, White | Colorless, White |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$250+ | $5–$200+ |
Which is more valuable?
Milky Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Milky Quartz can reach $250 or more.
About Milky Quartz
Milky quartz is the cloudy white to grayish-white variety of quartz, SiO2, its characteristic opacity caused by countless microscopic fluid inclusions and tiny gas bubbles trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common form of macrocrystalline quartz found in veins worldwide, forming wherever silica-saturated hydrothermal fluids cool and crystallize within fractures in host rock. Unlike clear rock crystal quartz, milky quartz's cloudiness comes specifically from these internal inclusions rather than from any difference in chemical composition.
About Clear Quartz
Clear quartz, also known as rock crystal, is the purest form of quartz. It's been used for jewelry, carvings, and spiritual purposes throughout history.
Milky Quartz vs Clear Quartz FAQ
Is Milky Quartz the same as Clear Quartz?
No. Both are quartz family, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Milky Quartz from Clear Quartz?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Milky Quartz is Translucent to nearly opaque, Clear Quartz is transparent. Well-formed crystals give it away: Milky Quartz is Trigonal, Clear Quartz is hexagonal.
Which is harder, Milky Quartz or Clear Quartz?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Milky Quartz or Clear Quartz?
Milky Quartz is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $35 against $25 for Clear Quartz, and premium Milky Quartz can reach $250 or more.
