mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to creamy tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when water-worn); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- White to creamy tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (especially when water-worn)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: White to creamy tan; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (especially when water-worn); Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from molten magma or hydrothermal veins, later eroded and smoothed by water transport in riverbeds or coastal environments. Quartz is found in rocks of all geological ages.
Uses & applications
Used as decorative gravel, in landscaping, and as a source of silica for glass and electronics. High-quality quartz is used in jewelry and timekeeping.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its white color from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in stream beds, beaches, and glacial till globally.
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Metamorphic
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock
Granite
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