mineral

Milky quartz pebble

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and no cleavage. The rough surface and iron-brown inclusions may indicate iron oxides or minor feldspar/mica intergrowths.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous luster, conchoidal fracture, and no cleavage. The rough surface and iron-brown inclusions may indicate iron oxides or minor feldspar/mica intergrowths.

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, pegmatites, and igneous rocks, then survives weathering as a resistant pebble. Its exact geological age and source cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive specimens or cabochons.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is the defining mineral of many veins and sandstones. Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by glassy luster, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel file will not scratch it. Common in river gravels, quartz veins, pegmatites, and weathered granite.