mineral

Small translucent quartz fragment

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly milky or near-colorless quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, irregularly rounded fragment with a vitreous luster; likely Mohs hardness 7, no obvious cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Crystal structure is trigonal, though crystal faces are not visible at this scale.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

Explore Small translucent quartz 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, metamorphic, and hydrothermal environments through silica-rich melt or fluid crystallization. Its age cannot be determined from the photograph and could range from recent sedimentary transport to ancient bedrock formation.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; clear attractive pieces may be collected but this fragment has little commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to weathering, commonly accumulating in stream gravels and beach sediments.

Field identification & locations

Possible identification requires testing: it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Look for hexagonal crystal faces, conchoidal fracture, and absence of cleavage; similar white glass or calcite should be ruled out.