mineral
Milky quartz rough chips
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically hardness 7 Mohs, white to translucent gray, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and hexagonal crystal structure; lacks prominent cleavage and commonly shows conchoidal fracture. The pieces appear naturally fractured or tumbled, with cloudy inclusions and uneven surfaces.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky quartz rough chips in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Typically hardness 7 Mohs, white to translucent gray, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and hexagonal crystal structure; lacks prominent cleavage and commonly shows conchoidal fracture. The pieces appear naturally fractured or tumbled, with cloudy inclusions and uneven surfaces.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; milky cloudiness usually results from microscopic fluid inclusions. Quartz is widespread from Precambrian rocks to modern hydrothermal deposits.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are sold as craft, lapidary, or mineral specimens. These small rough pieces generally have modest decorative value.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge under pressure. The image does not show diagnostic crystal faces, so identification is visual and should be confirmed by hardness testing.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, translucency, conchoidal fracture, and inability to scratch it with a steel nail; quartz should scratch ordinary glass. Common localities include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and quartz veins worldwide.
