mineral

Tumbled milky quartz

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; cream to white, translucent, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture rather than cleavage. The rounded shape indicates tumbling or natural stream abrasion; brown staining is likely iron oxide, and the small dark spot may be an inclusion or surface pit.

Identified September 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallized from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or igneous rocks, with specimens potentially ranging from Precambrian to recent ages. Its resistance to weathering allows rounded pebbles to accumulate in stream gravels and other sedimentary settings.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as an inexpensive lapidary stone, carving material, décor, and minor jewelry component; industrial quartz is important in glass, ceramics, abrasives, and electronics.

Geological facts

Milky quartz appears cloudy because microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or impurities scatter light. It can resemble calcite, but quartz is much harder and will scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, granites, pegmatites, and river gravels. Confirm with a scratch test: it should scratch glass, while a steel knife generally will not scratch it.