
mineral
Likely tumbled quartz/chalcedony
Quartz (SiO₂), possibly milky quartz or pale chalcedony
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 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.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Likely tumbled quartz/chalcedony in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
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.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary