mineral
Quartz Pebble (Milky Quartz / Quartzite)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: semi-translucent to opaque milky white with slight iron/rust staining; Luster: vitreous to waxy or dull from tumbling; Crystal System: Trigonal (hexagonal); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- vitreous to waxy or dull from tumbling
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Pebble (Milky Quartz / Quartzite) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: semi-translucent to opaque milky white with slight iron/rust staining; Luster: vitreous to waxy or dull from tumbling; Crystal System: Trigonal (hexagonal); Cleavage: none (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: ~2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal precipitation in veins or igneous/metamorphic environments, then weathered, broken down, and naturally smoothed/rounded by river, stream, or beach wave action over long geological periods.
Uses & applications
Commonly used in landscaping, decorative stone displays, aquariums, polished tumbled stone crafts, and historically as silica source in glassmaking.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy, white appearance from microscopic fluid inclusions of gas and liquids trapped during the crystal's rapid growth millions of years ago.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its distinct waxy-to-glassy luster, milky white translucency, resistance to scratching with a steel blade (hardness 7), and smooth water-worn pebble morphology. Extremely common worldwide in riverbeds, gravel bars, and ocean beaches.
