White Quartz
Silicon Dioxide var. Milky Quartz · Mineral Specimen and Common Stone
Crystal System
Trigonal, typically forming prismatic crystals, massive, or as anhedral pebbles due to weathering and tumbling.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicate subgroup)
Chemical Formula
SiO2
Formation Process
Igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal processes; frequently found in pegmatites, veins, and sedimentary environments.
About This Crystal
A small, weathered, whitish-grey pebble with an opaque to translucent appearance and a dull to sub-vitreous luster, showing smoothed edges from natural water transport.
Physical Characteristics
White to grey body color, white streak, conchoidal fracture, distinct lack of cleavage, specific gravity of approximately 2.65, brittle tenacity.
Optical Properties
Uniaxial positive optical character, refractive index of 1.544 to 1.553, doubly refractive.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Worldwide distribution; commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and various geological formations globally.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 7, good toughness, highly durable and resistant to chemical weathering and wear.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush; highly resistant to scratching, heat, and light fading.
Rarity & Value
Extremely common and widely abundant, carrying very low commercial value as a common mineral specimen.
Special Characteristics
Often contains microscopic fluid inclusions or micro-fractures that cause its milky appearance.
Lore & History
Historically used by ancient cultures for simple tools and ornaments; in modern crystal lore, it is often associated with clarity, purification, and balancing energy, though these are traditional beliefs rather than scientific claims.