mineral

Milky Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to creamy tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to creamy tan
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 8, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to creamy tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma in veins. This specific specimen is water-worn, smoothed by alluvial or glacial action in a stream or river environment.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (as oscillators), abrasives, and as decorative landscaping stone or tumbled pocket stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and gravel pits worldwide. Collectors should look for smooth, waxy textures in stream sediments.