mineral
Milky Quartz Pebble
Crystalline Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to translucent milky, Luster: Vitreous to waxy when water-worn, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to translucent milky, Luster: Vitreous to waxy when water-worn, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma where gas bubbles and fluid inclusions create the characteristic white opacity. This specific specimen has been rounded by fluvial or marine erosion.
Uses & applications
Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), landscaping, abrasives, and as decorative river stones.
Geological facts
The milky white color is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth's crust.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white sugary appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial till worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous