Milky Quartz with Tourmaline Inclusions
Quartz var. Milky Quartz (with Schorl Tourmaline inclusions) · Mineral Specimen / Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal - Hexagonal; typically prismatic with pyramidal terminations, though this specimen is massive/fragmented.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Trace amounts of Al, Fe, and Na/Mg/B for inclusions)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal or Igneous; formed via crystallization from silica-rich fluids and cooling magma, often as a late-stage mineral in granitic pegmatites.
About This Crystal
Small, opaque to translucent white milky quartz fragment. It displays a greasy to vitreous luster and contains dark, nearly black speckles, likely Schorl (Iron-rich Tourmaline).
Physical Characteristics
Color: White and black; Streak: White; Cleavage: None (poor); Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 2.65; Fluorescence: Generally inert.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553; Double refraction; Uniaxial (+); Often shows opalescence in milky varieties due to tiny fluid inclusions.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Worldwide distribution, notably from Brazil, USA (Arkansas), and Madagascar; commonly found in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 7; Toughness: Fair to good (brittle); Highly stable against most household chemicals and sunlight.
Care & Maintenance
Wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush; safe for ultrasonic cleaning unless large internal fractures are present; store away from diamonds to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Common; low monetary value for small fragments; value increases with large crystal size or aesthetic distribution of black tourmaline needles.
Special Characteristics
Displays 'Milky' effect due to microscopic fluid or gaseous inclusions; black spots exhibit schorl habit (striated columns or inclusions).
Lore & History
Historically used as a carving stone; in folklore, milky quartz is sometimes called 'Snow Quartz' and is culturally associated with clarity, purification, and the crown chakra.