mineral

Likely milky quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, white-to-translucent fragment with a dull to slightly vitreous surface; image detail is insufficient to assess crystal form. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; specific gravity is about 2.65.

Identified September 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins and cavities, or as grains in many rocks; it is geologically widespread and may range from ancient to recent deposits. The appearance alone cannot establish its age or exact origin.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and construction; attractive pieces are collected, though this fragment appears ordinary and is unlikely to have jewelry value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and fractures rather than splitting along flat cleavage planes.

Field identification & locations

Check for hardness against glass and lack of cleavage to distinguish quartz from softer white minerals, but avoid destructive tests if preservation matters. The reported coastal Pernambuco location is compatible with widespread quartz, though the photo cannot confirm the source.