mineral

Milky Quartz Pebble

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to creamy yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Translucent white to creamy yellow
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to creamy yellow; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, likely millions of years old, shaped by fluvial erosion.

Uses & applications

Raw quartz is used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a source of silicon for electronics. Smooth pebbles are often used in landscaping, aquariums, and home decor.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and gravel pits worldwide. Look for a waxy luster and high hardness.