mineral

Quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂); if granular and foliated, likely quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to pale gray, opaque to translucent, with a glassy to dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, with no cleavage. The small specimen appears weathered and may contain minor iron staining or mica, but crystal details are insufficient for exact identification.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich fluids or igneous melts; quartzite forms when sandstone is metamorphosed. These materials range from Precambrian to recent hydrothermal settings and are common in many rock-forming environments.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, engineered stone, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces may be collected but this fragment is unlikely to be gem-grade.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is distinguished from calcite by its greater hardness: it scratches glass, whereas calcite does not.

Field identification & locations

Common in veins, granites, metamorphic rocks, and stream gravels worldwide. Test with a steel nail or glass, inspect for cleavage, and use acid only if calcite is suspected; a definitive identification may require hardness, streak, and microscopy tests.