mineral
Likely polished milky quartz pebble
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall, translucent white, smoothly rounded piece with a glassy-to-waxy luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image alone cannot confirm it is natural quartz rather than glass or another material.
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Physical properties
Small, translucent white, smoothly rounded piece with a glassy-to-waxy luster; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The image alone cannot confirm it is natural quartz rather than glass or another material.
Formation & geological history
If quartz, it formed as silica crystallized in igneous or hydrothermal settings and was later rounded by natural abrasion or tumbling; quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Small polished quartz pieces are used in crafts, jewelry, and collections; quartz also has major industrial uses in glassmaking and electronics.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electric charge under pressure.
Field identification & locations
Check for hardness, glass-scratching ability, and lack of bubbles or conchoidal glass features; common worldwide in veins and river gravels. Its smooth, regular shape suggests it may have been mechanically tumbled.
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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
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Igneous Pegmatite
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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