mineral

Likely milky quartz with iron-oxide inclusions

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous luster, massive crystalline texture, Mohs hardness 7, no true cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The dark flecks may be iron or manganese oxides, mica, or other inclusions; exact identification is uncertain from the image.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and pegmatites, commonly in igneous and metamorphic settings. Quartz is widespread and ranges from Precambrian to geologically recent; the specimen appears natural and unpolished.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, engineered stone, electronics, abrasives, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are sold as display specimens. Common milky quartz generally has modest collector value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has a six-sided trigonal crystal structure when well formed. The smaller blue-gray pieces may be unrelated minerals, possibly blue quartz or slag-like material, but cannot be identified confidently here.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness—quartz scratches glass and resists a steel knife—plus glassy luster and conchoidal fracture; avoid confusing it with calcite, which is softer and reacts with acid. Common worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and China.