kiillekiveksi

Kiillekiveksi is a Finnish term that translates to "cloud stone" or "gleaming stone." It refers to a type of quartz that exhibits a milky or cloudy appearance due to the presence of microscopic inclusions of air or other minerals. These inclusions scatter light, giving the stone its characteristic hazy or opalescent look. While often colorless, kiillekiveksi can also appear white, gray, or occasionally have faint tints of other colors. It is not a distinct mineral species but rather a variety of quartz.

The formation of kiillekiveksi typically occurs in cavities within rocks where silica-rich solutions cool slowly. As the quartz crystallizes, tiny gas bubbles or mineral particles become trapped within the crystal structure. The size and distribution of these inclusions determine the intensity of the cloudiness. Larger or more numerous inclusions result in a more opaque appearance, while fewer and smaller inclusions may create a subtle sheen.

While not as prized for its clarity as gemstone-quality quartz varieties like amethyst or citrine, kiillekiveksi has been used historically in decorative objects and as a minor ornamental stone. Its beauty lies in its ethereal, diffused light effect rather than transparency. In some cultures, certain types of milky quartz have been associated with spiritual or healing properties, though these are not scientifically recognized. The term is primarily used in geological and mineralogical contexts in Finland.