mineral

Milky Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Tanslucent to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smooth surfaces); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: None (Conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Tanslucent to milky white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (smooth surfaces)

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or magma. This specific specimen shows significant rounding and smoothing caused by water erosion in a river, stream, or coastal environment over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a semi-precious gemstone in jewelry when high quality. Common pebbles are used in landscaping and aggregate.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny microscopic fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent nature. Look for it in river beds, beaches, and eroded gravel deposits worldwide.