mineral

Milky quartz fragment

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears rough, pale, and possibly lightly iron-stained.

Identified September 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous rocks; quartz is common from Precambrian to modern geological settings. Exact age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, foundry materials, electronics, and countertops; attractive pieces are collected or cut as cabochons, though this fragment is unlikely to be gem grade.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to weathering, making it common in sand and sediment. Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and white translucent appearance; common worldwide in quartz veins, granite, and metamorphic rocks.