Tumbled milky quartz

Typically white to cream, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and no visible cleavage; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, and specific gravity about 2.65. The rounded form indicates tumbling or natural abrasion.

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, igneous melts, and metamorphic processes; individual formation ages vary from Precambrian to recent. This specimen appears polished or naturally water-worn rather than showing original crystal faces.

Used for decorative stones, carvings, countertops, abrasives, glass and electronics; low-grade pieces are common jewelry and lapidary material.

Milky color results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or defects scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and durable minerals.

Identify by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, resistance to scratching, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; common sources include Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, and worldwide quartz veins. The photo alone cannot confirm whether it is quartz rather than pale calcite or another tumbled stone.