mineral

Milky quartz (rough quartz fragment)

Quartz, SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small, translucent white-to-pale-yellow fragment with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; likely Mohs hardness 7, with no cleavage and a hexagonal crystal structure. The yellow tint may be staining or included material; the image alone cannot establish its cause.

Identified September 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and in hydrothermal veins, crystallizing from silica-rich fluids over a wide range of geological ages. Quartz-bearing rocks and veins are plausible in the Ethiopian Rift region near the reported location.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and construction; attractive crystals are collected or occasionally cut as gemstones.

Geological facts

Quartz has a hardness of 7 and typically scratches glass; a streak or scratch test should be done only on an inconspicuous spot, since it can damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, no obvious cleavage, and hardness near 7; the rounded, broken shape is not diagnostic, so a photo cannot confirm quartz over other pale minerals. Common in veins and many rock types worldwide, including East Africa.