mineral
Milky quartz crystal fragment
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to colorless with a vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage. The brown spots appear to be iron-oxide staining or inclusions.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to colorless with a vitreous luster and conchoidal fracture. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage. The brown spots appear to be iron-oxide staining or inclusions.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, or pegmatites; quartz occurs in rocks of many ages. The specimen’s exact age and source cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, and decorative objects; attractive crystals are collected or used in jewelry.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy translucence, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and lack of cleavage; common worldwide in veins and many rock types. This small, irregular fragment has limited collector value.
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Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen
Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification
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