mineral

Milky quartz-rich rock

Quartz, SiO₂; possibly quartzite or massive vein quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to gray, opaque, massive texture, and vitreous to dull luster; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with no cleavage and conchoidal fracture. The dark coating or matrix may be iron/manganese oxides or another host rock.

Identified August 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed as hydrothermal vein quartz or recrystallized quartzite; exact age and setting cannot be determined from the photograph. Quartz veins occur in many igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary terrains.

Uses & applications

Used for silica, glass, ceramics, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are collected but this specimen appears low-grade and uncut.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly forms six-sided crystals, though massive varieties lack visible crystal faces.

Field identification & locations

Test by scratching glass (quartz should scratch it) and checking for the absence of cleavage; a steel knife should not scratch fresh white material. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic belts.