mineral

Milky quartz pebble

Quartz (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mostly translucent, pale tan to whitish, with a vitreous-to-dull luster and no visible cleavage; quartz has a Mohs hardness of 7, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity near 2.65. The image shows a rounded, naturally worn specimen; exact identification is uncertain from appearance alone.

Identified October 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich fluids or magma and is among Earth’s most abundant minerals, occurring in rocks of many ages. This pebble’s rounded shape suggests transport and abrasion by water or glacial action.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, and construction; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively.

Geological facts

Quartz can scratch ordinary glass and commonly breaks with a curved, conchoidal fracture rather than cleavage.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness, glassy fracture, and absence of cleavage; quartz pebbles occur in river gravels, beaches, and quartz-rich soils worldwide. A photo cannot establish locality or rule out other pale, silica-rich materials.