mineral
Likely milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectAppears white to pale gray and translucent, with a glassy-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65.
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Physical properties
Appears white to pale gray and translucent, with a glassy-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in many settings, including cooling silica-rich fluids in veins and crystallization from magma. Its age cannot be determined from the image; quartz-bearing rocks range from recent to billions of years old.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a silica source in glassmaking and electronics; attractive specimens are collected, and clear varieties are cut for jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and occurs in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
Field identification & locations
The specimen’s cloudy, granular appearance is consistent with milky quartz, but the image does not show diagnostic crystal faces. Look for hardness sufficient to scratch glass and absence of cleavage; quartz is widespread worldwide.
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