mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to pale cream/peach; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Opaque white to pale cream/peach
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when weathered)
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
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to pale cream/peach; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when weathered); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins within igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. This specimen is water-worn, resulting from erosion and transport in a river or beach environment.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a lapidary material for tumbling, as decorative landscaping gravel, or as a source of silica for glassmaking and industrial abrasives.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its opaque appearance from tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and mountain outcrops. Collectors look for pieces with interesting patterns or colors caused by iron staining.
