mineral

Milky quartz fragment

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster with irregular fracture and no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The yellow-brown surface likely reflects iron-oxide staining or weathering.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky quartz fragment in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous or hydrothermal fluids and commonly occurs in veins, pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks. Its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive specimens or lapidary material.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and forms distinctive six-sided crystals when unobstructed. Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light.

Field identification & locations

Likely quartz if it scratches ordinary glass and does not react with dilute acid; inspect for glassy fracture and hardness, while avoiding confusion with calcite, which is softer and cleaves readily. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granitic terrains.