mineral

Tumbled milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to pale gray with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and uneven conchoidal fracture. It has a trigonal crystal structure, but tumbling has rounded and obscured crystal faces; no cleavage.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled milky quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich igneous, hydrothermal, and metamorphic fluids, commonly in veins and pegmatites. Its exact geological age cannot be determined from the image; the rounded form indicates natural abrasion or lapidary tumbling.

Uses & applications

Used for ornamental stones, carvings, countertops, abrasives, glass, and electronics; attractive translucent pieces are sold as inexpensive cabochons or specimens.

Geological facts

The cloudy appearance is caused by microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically resistant minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy translucence, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; it may be distinguished from calcite because calcite is much softer and cleaves readily. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and river gravels.