metamorphic
Quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite
Quartz (SiO₂); if quartzite, recrystallized quartz sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to gray, coarse granular texture, vitreous to dull luster, and no obvious cleavage; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with specific gravity about 2.65. The irregular, massive appearance is consistent with milky quartz or quartzite, though the photograph cannot distinguish them confidently.
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Physical properties
White to gray, coarse granular texture, vitreous to dull luster, and no obvious cleavage; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with specific gravity about 2.65. The irregular, massive appearance is consistent with milky quartz or quartzite, though the photograph cannot distinguish them confidently.
Formation & geological history
Milky quartz forms when silica-rich fluids fill fractures; quartzite forms when quartz sandstone is metamorphosed under heat and pressure. Exact geological age and formation setting cannot be determined from the image alone.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; quartzite is used as aggregate, building stone, countertops, and decorative material. Ordinary specimens generally have little jewelry value.
Geological facts
Quartz commonly shows conchoidal fracture rather than cleavage and can scratch ordinary steel or glass. Surface weathering, iron staining, or attached rock may explain the uneven gray-brown areas.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy fracture, hardness, and lack of cleavage; a streak test should be white, and acid should not fizz unless carbonate minerals are present. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and metamorphic belts; confirm with a hardness test or thin-section analysis.
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