Milky Quartz

Milky quartz is an impure form of quartz that has a milky or cloudy appearance due to microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped within the crystal structure.

It is usually white or pale gray in colour and should be considered as an included/lower grade quality of Quartz. It is also sometimes sold as ‘snow’ or ‘snowy’ Quartz.

Information about Milky Quartz

Milky quartz is a white, translucent to opaque variety of quartz, often characterized by a cloudy or milky appearance due to microscopic fluid inclusions.

It is one of the most common forms of quartz and typically forms in massive aggregates, veins, or large crystal clusters.

While it lacks the clarity of rock crystal quartz, it still retains the hexagonal prismatic crystal structure common to quartz minerals.

 

Uses and History

Milky quartz has numerous industrial applications, including its use in glassmaking, ceramics, electronics, and abrasives. It is also widely used as a decorative stone and in spiritual practices.

Quartz has been used since ancient times for tools, jewellery, and spiritual purposes. It has been found in prehistoric sites, indicating its use in early stone tools and ceremonial objects.

 

Mineralogy

Chemistry
Silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
Colours and Variations

 

White, off-white, translucent grey

 

Streak
White
Luster
Vitreous to greasy
Transparency
Translucent to opaque
Fracture
Translucent to opaque
Crystal habit
Massive, prismatic, granular
Mohs hardness
7
Fluorescence
Specific Gravity
2.65
Easiest testing method
Hardness test (scratches glass), hexagonal crystal habit, and common occurrence

Hazards and Warnings

Mineral collectors should wash their hands after handling specimens, to avoid any exposure to potential toxins.

Almost all rocks, minerals (and, frankly, almost all other substances on earth) can produce toxic dust when cutting, which can cause serious respiratory conditions including silicosis.

When cutting or polishing rocks, minerals, shells, etc, all work should be done wet to minimise the dust, and a suitable respirator or extraction system should be used.

 

 

Translations

Arabic:

  • الكوارتز الحليبي

Hindi:

Portuguese:

  • Quartzo leitoso

Bengali:

Indonesian:

Punjabi:

English:

Italian:

Russian:

  • Молочный кварц

French:

  • Quartz laiteux

Japanese:

  • ミルキークォーツ

Spanish:

  • Milchquarz

German:

  • Milchquarz

Korean:

  • 밀키쿼츠

Thai:

Gujurati:

Mandarin Chinese:

  • 乳白石英

Urdu:

Further Reading / External Links