mineral

Quartz fragment (likely milky quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White, translucent, and glassy with irregular fracture; hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The small specimen appears rough and possibly naturally broken or chipped.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous, hydrothermal, and metamorphic fluids; milky coloration results from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures. Its exact geological age and formation setting cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; clear varieties are used as gemstones. This tiny fragment has negligible commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering, making it common in sand and sediment. Its conchoidal fracture and scratch resistance help distinguish it from many white minerals.

Field identification & locations

Likely found in granitic rocks, quartz veins, metamorphic rocks, or quartz-rich sand and gravel. Confirm by testing whether it scratches ordinary glass, while avoiding damage to valuable specimens.