mineral

Quartz crystal (likely milky/clear quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Colorless to translucent, vitreous luster, uneven to conchoidal fracture, no cleavage; Mohs hardness 7 and specific gravity about 2.65. The specimen appears to be a small irregularly broken or partly crystalline quartz fragment, rather than a complete crystal.

Identified September 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, pegmatites, veins, and weathered gravel deposits. Quartz is common in Precambrian basement rocks of central Zambia, near the reported location; its exact age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; transparent attractive pieces may be sold as collector specimens or cut gemstones.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has piezoelectric properties. The apparent internal fractures and bright reflections are consistent with quartz, though the image does not show diagnostic crystal faces clearly.

Field identification & locations

Identify with a glass-scratch test (quartz scratches ordinary glass), hardness, and lack of cleavage; avoid damaging a potentially valuable specimen. A definitive distinction from calcite requires testing, since calcite is softer and cleaves readily.