mineral

Tumbled milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster, poor/no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. The rounded shape and polish indicate human tumbling.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster, poor/no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and trigonal crystal structure. The rounded shape and polish indicate human tumbling.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; specimens may be Precambrian to recent. Common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and India.

Uses & applications

Used as a low-cost ornamental stone, lapidary material, beads, carvings, and decorative aggregate; generally unsuitable as a gemstone of high value.

Geological facts

Its cloudy appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or other mineral impurities. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically durable minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy/waxy surface, translucent white color, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel knife should not scratch it. Distinguishing it from white calcite requires hardness testing, since calcite is much softer (Mohs 3).