mineral

Small white rounded mineral grain, likely quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), probable milky or vein quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Approximately 3–5 mm, white, opaque to slightly translucent, with a dull-to-glassy luster and rounded/tumbled surface. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Most plausibly a naturally weathered quartz grain derived from quartz veins or quartz-rich metamorphic rocks; its exact age cannot be determined from the photograph. Quartz veins are common in the Himalayan foothills and surrounding rocks near 33.7°N, 73.1°E.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, abrasives, and electronics; specimens this small usually have negligible commercial or jewelry value.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly survives weathering because it is hard and chemically resistant. A scratch test against ordinary glass can help confirm it, though testing may damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

The image supports quartz but cannot exclude a small white feldspar, calcite, or glass fragment. Quartz will scratch glass; calcite will not and may fizz weakly in dilute acid. Likely sources regionally include stream gravels, quartz veins, and weathered metamorphic rocks.