Milky Quartz

Milky quartz is found in very different geological environments, and its many inclusions can indicate unsteady growth conditions. White vein quartz is common and frequently contains gold. Documented examples include the Mallachuma Mine (Bolivia), the Harz and Sauerland (Germany; the double-terminated "Suttrop" type quartz), Val Ferret and Sardinia (Italy), Blefjell (Norway) and the Assunção Mine near Viseu (Portugal); the International Gem Society lists California and Colorado as occurrences, and Mindat illustrates specimens from the Itremo massif in Madagascar.

Milky quartz is quartz that is white and cloudy rather than clear. Because inclusions interfere with growth, its crystals are usually twinned and sometimes distorted, often showing only the rhombohedral and prism faces, and candle and artichoke quartz growth forms are always milky. The International Gem Society lists "moonstone" as a misnomer for semitransparent milky quartz: true moonstone is a feldspar. Gold quartz is milky quartz with native gold inclusions. As with other quartz, dyeing (after quench-crackling) and surface coating are among the treatments used on quartz.

Milky quartz shares the durability of quartz: hardness 7, no real cleavage and very good wearability, with no special care instructions. Quench-crackled or dyed material is weaker and some dyes can fade. Broken pieces can have razor-sharp edges, and quartz should not be ground dry because long-term exposure to fine dust can cause silicosis.

The Japanese retailer Pascle says milky quartz is credited with the same meanings as rock crystal, and that it is said to strengthen gentleness and affection, so it is offered as a charm for family harmony and child-rearing.