mineral

Milky Quartz with Chlorite/Epidote inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with phyllosilicate/sorosilicate inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white (milky) with dark green/black patches, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified March 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites as hot, silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize. The green inclusions (likely chlorite or epidote) represent secondary mineralization occurring within the quartz pocket.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative specimens for collectors, landscaping stone, and in glass manufacturing. High-purity quartz is also essential for electronics and oscillators.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz on Earth's crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch steel and glass) and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in mountainous regions and dry desert washes as 'float.' Significant for collectors when found with distinct mineral phantoms or inclusions.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral