mineral
Quartz Pebble (Milky Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Translucent white to milky white with minor iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Translucent white to milky white with minor iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when water-worn), Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins/fissures within igneous or metamorphic rock. This specific specimen has been weathered and rounded through coastal erosion and wave action (beach pebble).
Uses & applications
Used in glass manufacturing, as an abrasive, in landscaping/decor, as a tumbled gemstone, and historically in flint-knapping.
Geological facts
Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. It is the most common variety of crystalline quartz found on Earth's surface.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), translucent appearance, and lack of cleavage planes. Found globally on tectonic beaches and riverbeds.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous