mineral
Likely milky quartz
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to gray, translucent in places, with a vitreous-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure. The photo alone cannot confirm the identification; the specimen may also be quartz-rich rock.
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Physical properties
White to gray, translucent in places, with a vitreous-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure. The photo alone cannot confirm the identification; the specimen may also be quartz-rich rock.
Formation & geological history
Quartz commonly crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and fractures, or forms during igneous and metamorphic processes; its age depends on the host geology.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and decorative or lapidary objects; this rough piece appears most suitable for collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has a characteristic hardness that lets it scratch ordinary glass.
Field identification & locations
Look for glass-scratching hardness, lack of cleavage, and uneven fracture; milky quartz occurs worldwide, especially in veins. A definitive identification may require testing hardness and examining fresh surfaces.
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