mineral

Milky Quartz (Tumbled Pebble)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Milky white to translucent pale beige. Luster: Vitreous to waxy when tumbled/polished. Crystal system: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent pale beige
Luster: Vitreous to waxy when tumbled/polished

Identified July 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich magmatic fluids, hydrothermal vein systems, or metamorphic processes. Microscopic liquid or gas inclusions trapped during crystal growth give it its milky appearance.

Uses & applications

Used widely in decorative arts, tumbled stone collections, crystal healing/meditation practices, lapidary projects, and as wire-wrapped jewelry pieces.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. The white, opaque appearance is caused by tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped inside the crystal as it formed millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass easily, cannot be scratched by a steel blade), smooth rounded shape from tumbling/erosion, waxy-vitreous sheen, and uniform milky translucency. Found globally in quartz veins and stream deposits.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Schist

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Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary