mineral

Milky Quartz with Dendritic Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Manganese/Iron oxide inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with black branching patterns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent with black branching patterns
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with black branching patterns; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions cooling in veins. The milky appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions trapped during crystal growth, while the black patterns are from mineral-rich water seeping into cracks.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for decorative purposes, lapidary work (cabochons), and as a collector's specimen. Quartz itself is used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

The black dendritic patterns are often mistaken for fossilized plants or moss, but they are actually inorganic metallic oxide deposits that grow in tree-like patterns known as fractals.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), waxy luster when polished, and characteristic black 'fern-like' patterns inside the white stone. Commonly found in riverbeds and quartz veins globally.

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