mineral

Milky quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to cream, translucent, and glassy to waxy; Mohs hardness 7, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The irregular piece appears massive rather than distinctly crystalline, with possible iron-oxide staining.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures in igneous or metamorphic rocks; quartz veins range from Precambrian to recent in age. The specimen may be naturally broken or lightly weathered.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive mineral specimens. This small fragment has little gem or industrial value.

Geological facts

Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or both scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically durable minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its hardness—scratches ordinary glass—lack of cleavage, and glassy fracture; it is commonly found in quartz veins, pegmatites, granite, and metamorphic rocks worldwide. Confirming minerals such as calcite would fizz in dilute acid, whereas quartz does not.