mineral
Tumbled milky quartz (probable)
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectAppears as a small, rounded, opaque-to-translucent white specimen with a glassy to waxy luster; the blurred image limits certainty. Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65.
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Physical properties
Appears as a small, rounded, opaque-to-translucent white specimen with a glassy to waxy luster; the blurred image limits certainty. Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous, hydrothermal, and metamorphic fluids; milky quartz commonly forms in veins and pegmatites. Its formation age is locality-dependent, ranging from Precambrian to recent geological events.
Uses & applications
Used for decorative stones, carvings, countertops, abrasives, and silica products; attractive translucent pieces are sold as inexpensive gemstone material.
Geological facts
Milky color results mainly from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities. Tumbled quartz is commonly mistaken for calcite, glass, or white chalcedony.
Field identification & locations
In the field, quartz is notably hard: it scratches ordinary glass and steel, while calcite does not. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, granites, pegmatites, and stream gravels.
