mineral

Milky quartz pebble

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), cryptocrystalline to microcrystalline variety

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, rounded and evidently tumbled or water-worn; hardness 7 Mohs, conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, specific gravity about 2.65. The cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or structural defects.

Identified September 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich fluids crystallized in veins or cavities, likely during an ancient igneous or metamorphic event; its exact geological age cannot be determined visually. The rounded shape reflects river, beach, or deliberate tumbling abrasion.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative stone, lapidary material, aggregate, and occasional low-grade gemstone; generally unsuitable for high-value jewelry because it lacks transparency and strong color.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering, allowing quartz pebbles to survive long transport.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its white translucency, glassy fracture, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel file will not scratch it. Common worldwide in quartz veins, gravels, beaches, and stream deposits.