mineral

Milky Quartz Pebble

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to pale cream, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified March 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to pale cream, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or within igneous intrusions like pegmatites. This specific specimen appears water-worn, smoothed by alluvial or coastal transport over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used industrially as an abrasive, in glass manufacturing, and as aggregate in construction. Tumbled pebbles like this are used in aquarium gravel, landscaping, and as pocket stones.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its white color from millions of tiny fluid inclusions of gas and liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and soil. To collectors, value depends on clarity or the presence of other mineral inclusions.

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