mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal veins and within igneous rocks like granite. These specific specimens are water-worn river or beach pebbles, showing rounding through long-term abrasive transport in water.
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (as oscillators), abrasives, and as architectural landscaping stone. Higher quality milky quartz is sometimes used for lapidary work or tumbled stones.
Geological facts
The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster when tumbled. Common in riverbeds and glacial deposits. For collectors, look for rhombohedral fracture patterns.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic