mineral
Tumbled milky quartz
Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectTypically Mohs hardness 7, white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; its cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities. Quartz has a hexagonal crystal structure and lacks cleavage, breaking conchoidally.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Tumbled milky quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Typically Mohs hardness 7, white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; its cloudy appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities. Quartz has a hexagonal crystal structure and lacks cleavage, breaking conchoidally.
Formation & geological history
Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous or metamorphic rocks; specimens may be Precambrian to recent. The rounded shape shown is human-tumbled and polished rather than naturally crystal-faced.
Uses & applications
Used for lapidary ornaments, carvings, beads, and inexpensive decor; quartz also has major industrial uses in glass, ceramics, electronics, and engineered stone.
Geological facts
Milky quartz is one of the most common quartz varieties and can occur with gold-bearing hydrothermal veins. It may fluoresce weakly under some ultraviolet wavelengths, depending on impurities.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy appearance, hardness, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; it should scratch ordinary glass. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granitic or metamorphic terrains.
