mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/cream; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (often massive in pebbles); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to off-white/cream
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky Quartz Pebble in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white/cream; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (often massive in pebbles); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal solutions or igneous cooling, then weathered and rounded by water action in rivers or coastal environments. Often found in geological formations dating back millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in landscaping, glass manufacturing, electronics (due to piezoelectricity), and as a common collectible for beginner rockhounds.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white opaque color. Very common in stream beds and glaciated regions.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous