mineral

Milky quartz (rough quartz fragment)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically hardness 7 Mohs, white to translucent, with a glassy luster and irregular conchoidal fracture; crystals are hexagonal, though this fragment lacks obvious crystal faces. Its color comes from microscopic inclusions and internal fractures.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; individual specimens may range from recent to billions of years old. Commonly associated with feldspar, mica, and other quartz varieties.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are collected but this small rough fragment has minimal commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge when mechanically stressed.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its pale translucent appearance, lack of cleavage, glassy fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granite-rich regions. Estimated value: $1–$10 for a small common fragment.