mineral

Quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite fragment

Quartz (SiO₂), potentially quartzite if metamorphic

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to pale gray, opaque to translucent, with a dull-to-glassy luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and no cleavage. The image is insufficient to confirm grain texture or crystal structure, and the surface may be weathered or coated.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite fragment in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in igneous, hydrothermal, sedimentary, and metamorphic settings; quartzite forms when quartz sandstone is recrystallized during metamorphism. Its age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces are collected or used ornamentally.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly develops conchoidal fracture. A steel knife should not scratch it, while quartz should scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Likely identification requires a hardness test, streak test, acid test, and close inspection for interlocking grains or crystal faces. Common worldwide, especially in veins, sands, and metamorphic terrains.