mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Quartz (Silicon Dioxide - SiO2)
Mohs hardness of 7. Translucent to semi-opaque white/cream color with waxy to vitreous luster. Trigonal crystal structure (massive/microcrystalline in pebble form). Conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.
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
Mohs hardness of 7. Translucent to semi-opaque white/cream color with waxy to vitreous luster. Trigonal crystal structure (massive/microcrystalline in pebble form). Conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, specific gravity ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins and igneous/metamorphic rocks. Smooth, rounded pebble shape results from mechanical weathering and transport by river or coastal wave action.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, aquariums, decorative stone crafts, aggregate, and as a entry-level specimen for rockhounds.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy white appearance from tiny fluid inclusions (bubbles of liquid or gas) trapped inside the crystal structure during its formation millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its harness (scratches glass easily, cannot be scratched by steel knife), milky translucency, smooth rounded surface, and absence of cleavage planes. Extremely common worldwide, including Northern Norway/Alta region.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral