Rock Identifier
Likely tumbled quartz/chalcedony (Quartz (SiO₂), possibly milky quartz or pale chalcedony) — mineral
mineral

Likely tumbled quartz/chalcedony

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly milky quartz or pale chalcedony

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 (quartz) or about 6.5–7 (chalcedony); translucent cream-yellow body, vitreous to waxy luster, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded shape and surface suggest tumbling or natural abrasion.

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 (quartz) or about 6.5–7 (chalcedony); translucent cream-yellow body, vitreous to waxy luster, and no obvious cleavage. The rounded shape and surface suggest tumbling or natural abrasion.

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous and hydrothermal fluids; chalcedony forms as microcrystalline silica in cavities and fractures. Such material ranges from Precambrian to recent secondary deposits; age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used for decorative stones, lapidary work, countertops, abrasives, and glass manufacture; attractive pieces may be used in inexpensive jewelry or collected.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has a Mohs hardness that allows it to scratch ordinary glass. The yellow tint may result from iron staining or surface coating.

Field identification & locations

Field tests include scratching glass, checking for a white streak, and observing translucent edges; it should not scratch steel readily. Common sources include quartz veins, river gravels, and weathered igneous rocks worldwide.