mineral

Milky quartz (likely quartz-rich vein fragment)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to cream, translucent edges, and vitreous-to-waxy luster. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage, breaking with irregular to conchoidal fractures; visible brown areas may be iron-oxide staining or host-rock inclusions.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures in older rock, later weathering into this fragment. The exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for silica, glass, ceramics, engineered stone, and abrasives; attractive translucent pieces are collected, though this fragment is unlikely to have jewelry value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering, commonly accumulating in stream gravels and veins.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, irregular fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; it should not fizz in dilute acid. Common worldwide in quartz veins, granites, metamorphic rocks, and placer deposits.