mineral

Milky quartz pebble

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster with irregular fracture and no obvious cleavage; Mohs hardness 7 and specific gravity about 2.65. The granular, rounded surface suggests a naturally weathered pebble rather than a crystal point.

Identified September 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous, metamorphic, and hydrothermal fluids; milky coloration comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures. Individual grains may be Precambrian to recent, while the specimen’s rounding reflects later erosion and transport.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive mineral specimens or cabochon material.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering, allowing it to accumulate in streambeds and beaches.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by scratching glass while resisting a steel knife, its lack of cleavage, and white translucent appearance; common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and alluvial gravels. A definite identification would benefit from a scratch test and stronger light transmission.