mineral
Milky quartz pebble
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, massive rather than visibly crystalline, with indistinct conchoidal fracture and no cleavage. The rounded shape indicates natural stream or beach abrasion.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, massive rather than visibly crystalline, with indistinct conchoidal fracture and no cleavage. The rounded shape indicates natural stream or beach abrasion.
Formation & geological history
Likely quartz derived from weathered quartz vein, granite, or metamorphic rock and transported by sedimentary processes; the original quartz may be Precambrian to younger, but the specimen’s age cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive translucent pieces are collected or used decoratively, but this specimen appears low-grade.
Geological facts
Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically durable minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, rounded pebble form, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife; it should scratch ordinary glass. Common worldwide, especially in stream gravels and quartz-vein terrains.
