mineral

Tumbled pale quartz/chalcedony fragment

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly microcrystalline chalcedony

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs for quartz (chalcedony ~6.5–7); pale cream to tan, translucent edges, dull to waxy luster, no obvious cleavage, and irregular conchoidal fracture. The small angular piece appears naturally mineral rather than manufactured glass.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed from silica-rich hydrothermal veins or weathered volcanic/sedimentary material; its exact geological age and source cannot be determined from the photograph. Pale coloration may reflect iron staining or included clay minerals.

Uses & applications

Common quartz and chalcedony are used as aggregates, abrasives, glass and ceramic raw material, and inexpensive decorative stones. This fragment has little commercial value unless confirmed as a rarer variety.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is the principal component of many sands and siliceous rocks. Chalcedony is quartz with extremely fine crystals.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy or waxy luster, high scratch resistance, no strong cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by a steel knife. Common sources include hydrothermal veins, gravels, and volcanic regions.