mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent gray, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent gray, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal solutions or the cooling of magma in igneous rocks like granite. This specific specimen has been rounded and smoothed by water erosion (fluvial or beach action).
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, as an abrasive, in electronics (piezoelectric properties), and frequently as decorative landscaping stone or tumbled pocket stones.
Geological facts
The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz on Earth.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white sugary appearance. It is ubiquitous in riverbeds and on beaches worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral