mineral

Milky Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent with iron oxide staining
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in veins or as a primary constituent of igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen is water-worn, indicating it was shaped by fluvial (river) or coastal erosion processes.

Uses & applications

Used in construction as aggregate, as a source of silica for glass and electronics, and often collected as river stones for landscaping and decorative gardens.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant and diverse minerals on Earth's crust. 'Milky' quartz gets its opaque white appearance from microscopic inclusions of fluids trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), conchoidal fracture, and lack of cleavage. Often found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and beaches.