mineral
Milky quartz pebble
Quartz (SiO₂), massive variety
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded shape and surface suggest it has been naturally water-worn.
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Physical properties
White to translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded shape and surface suggest it has been naturally water-worn.
Formation & geological history
Quartz commonly forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins or cavities, and may also occur in igneous and metamorphic rocks. The pebble’s age and source cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for decorative landscaping, crafts, and inexpensive jewelry or collecting; quartz is also widely used in glassmaking and electronics.
Geological facts
Its cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures that scatter light.
Field identification & locations
Look for its hardness (it can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and glassy fracture; milky quartz occurs worldwide, especially in quartz veins and river gravels. Similar white pebbles may be other minerals, so field identification is not definitive from appearance alone.
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Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary