mineral

Likely milky quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), possibly with iron-oxide or mica inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, irregularly fractured, with a vitreous-to-dull luster and no obvious cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, specific gravity about 2.65. Dark specks may be mica, iron oxides, or other matrix minerals.

Identified August 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in a hydrothermal quartz vein or as quartz-rich pegmatitic material; quartz crystallizes in many geological ages and settings, so age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively. This small rough fragment likely has minimal commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly breaks with curved, shell-like conchoidal fractures and does not scratch easily with a steel knife. A glass-scratch test can help confirm it, though it may damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, pegmatites, and granite-related environments. Confirm with hardness, translucency, and a lack of cleavage; the image alone cannot exclude calcite or quartz-rich rock.