mineral
Milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; pale gray-white to faint pink, vitreous luster, translucent to opaque, with no cleavage and irregular to conchoidal fracture. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, though this specimen shows no distinct crystal faces.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; pale gray-white to faint pink, vitreous luster, translucent to opaque, with no cleavage and irregular to conchoidal fracture. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, though this specimen shows no distinct crystal faces.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins and fractures, or during igneous and metamorphic processes; quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a silica source for glass and ceramics, and as decorative stone or a low-cost jewelry and collecting material.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and often occurs as vein fillings in many rock types.
Field identification & locations
The glassy sheen, hardness, and lack of cleavage help distinguish quartz from softer, cleavable minerals. Found worldwide; this rough, small specimen is typically worth about $1–$10.
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Epidote
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Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen
Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification
mineral