mineral

Milky quartz pebble

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to translucent with a vitreous luster and hexagonal crystal structure; hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded shape indicates natural water wear or tumbling.

Identified September 5, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in igneous, metamorphic, or hydrothermal settings; milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions. Quartz is common throughout Earth’s crust and spans many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, engineered stone, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and ornamental specimens; attractive translucent pieces are used in cabochons and crafts.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant continental-crust minerals and is highly resistant to weathering, allowing it to accumulate in stream gravels and beaches.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy appearance, hardness, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch with a steel knife while scratching ordinary glass. Common in quartz veins, riverbeds, and hydrothermal deposits worldwide.