mineral

Tumbled pale quartz (possibly milky quartz or calcite)

Quartz, SiO₂; visual identification is uncertain because the specimen is poorly lit and polished

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Whitish translucent body with a glassy-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, while calcite—an alternative—is 3 and cleaves readily. The visible cloudy texture may reflect fluid inclusions or granular intergrowths.

Identified August 18, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled pale quartz (possibly milky quartz or calcite)
Scientific name: Quartz, SiO₂; visual identification is uncertain because the specimen is poorly lit and polished
Category: mineral
Identified: August 18, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a common tumbled specimen; up to $20–$50 if unusually translucent, well-shaped, or attractively included.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms in hydrothermal veins, igneous rocks, and metamorphic rocks; calcite commonly forms in sedimentary limestones and veins. These minerals span many geological ages and are often shaped by tumbling.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative or lapidary stone, in jewelry, and as a source of silica; calcite is important for cement, lime, and aggregate. This small polished piece has mainly educational or decorative value.

Geological facts

A steel nail should not scratch quartz, whereas it can scratch calcite; vinegar fizzes weakly on calcite but not quartz. A glass scratch test and acid test can help distinguish them, though testing may mark the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granite-related environments; notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico, and the United States. Identification would improve with brighter lighting and a close-up of crystal faces or cleavage.