mineral

Rounded quartz-rich pebble, likely milky quartz with iron-oxide inclusions

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly with minor chlorite or iron/manganese oxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to gray, opaque-to-translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fractures; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, lacks cleavage, and has specific gravity about 2.65. Its rounded shape indicates natural water abrasion, while dark patches are inclusions or surface staining.

Identified August 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely weathered from a quartz vein or quartz-rich metamorphic/igneous rock and transported in river or glacial sediment. Quartz commonly formed in hydrothermal veins or igneous rocks over a wide range of geologic ages.

Uses & applications

Primarily a teaching, landscaping, or collecting specimen; quartz is widely used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and jewelry. This rounded piece has little commercial gemstone value unless it exhibits exceptional translucency or unusual inclusions.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically durable minerals, allowing it to survive long transport as rounded pebbles. Dark inclusions may consist of iron oxides, chlorite, biotite, or manganese minerals.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy fracture, no cleavage, and resistance to scratching with a steel knife; a streak test is white. Common in stream gravels, glacial deposits, quartz veins, and quartz-rich rocks worldwide.