mineral

Milky quartz pebble

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White, translucent, and glassy to pearly with no visible cleavage; hardness 7 Mohs, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded surface indicates natural water wear, though the specimen may be broken rather than fully tumbled.

Identified September 17, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky quartz pebble in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous and hydrothermal fluids; its milky appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures. Quartz is common in rocks of many ages, especially granites, veins, and river or beach gravels.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone; attractive pieces may be used as inexpensive cabochons or collection specimens.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify by its white translucency, glassy luster, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel knife should not scratch it. Common worldwide in quartz veins, granitic terrain, rivers, and beaches.