mineral
Quartz Pebble (Milky Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Translucent white to milky white with minor iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Translucent white to milky white with minor iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins/fissures within igneous or metamorphic rock. This specific specimen has been weathered and rounded through coastal erosion and wave action (beach pebble).
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, in landscaping/decor, as a tumbled gemstone, and historically in flint-knapping.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth's surface.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), translucent appearance, and lack of cleavage planes. Found globally on tectonic beaches and riverbeds.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral