mineral

Tumbled milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with cloudy, waxy-to-glassy luster and conchoidal fracture. It has a trigonal crystal structure, but tumbling obscures crystal faces and cleavage is absent.

Identified September 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with cloudy, waxy-to-glassy luster and conchoidal fracture. It has a trigonal crystal structure, but tumbling obscures crystal faces and cleavage is absent.

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in cavities, veins, and pegmatites; its cloudy appearance commonly results from microscopic fluid inclusions or structural defects. Quartz is abundant from Precambrian rocks to the present day.

Uses & applications

Used for inexpensive cabochons, beads, carvings, metaphysical specimens, glassmaking, ceramics, abrasives, and industrial silica. This small polished piece typically has modest collector value.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common cloudy quartz variety and may grade into rose quartz or crystalline quartz. Its curved fracture surfaces and resistance to scratching distinguish it from softer white stones.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, Switzerland, and India. Identify it by its glassy translucence, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a polished/tumbled surface is visible here.