mineral

Quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite

Quartz (SiO₂), potentially quartzite if metamorphic

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to gray, translucent grains with a vitreous luster; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, lacks cleavage, and has conchoidal fracture. The small specimen appears granular and irregular, but image resolution prevents confident distinction between quartz and quartzite.

Identified September 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or magma; quartzite forms when sandstone is metamorphosed and recrystallized. Formation age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, engineered stone, and construction; attractive pieces may be collected or used decoratively.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is a major component of continental crust. Quartzite commonly shows fused grains and breaks across grains rather than around them.

Field identification & locations

Common in veins, pegmatites, river gravels, and metamorphic terrains worldwide. A glassy luster, hardness that scratches ordinary glass, and absence of cleavage support quartz; a fused, sugary texture suggests quartzite.