Milky Quartz

Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, milky white to translucent color, vitreous to greasy luster, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture (no cleavage), specific gravity around 2.65.

Formed primarily in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites during late-stage igneous intrusions or metamorphic fluid circulation. Its cloudy, milky appearance is caused by millions of microscopic fluid inclusions of gas, water, or CO2 trapped during rapid crystal growth.

Commonly used in landscaping, road construction aggregates, decorative stones, spiritual/healing crystals, and historically as a raw source for crushed silica used in glassmaking and electronics.

Milky quartz is one of the most abundant mineral varieties on Earth's continental crust. Gold is very frequently associated with hydrothermal milky quartz veins, making it a primary prospecting indicator.

Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass and steel), lack of cleavage, white to cloudy coloration, and conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide in riverbeds, glacial tills, gravel bars, and mountain veins.