mineral

Tumbled quartz pebble (probable milky quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Small rounded, translucent cream-white specimen with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; likely hardness 7 Mohs, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and hexagonal crystal structure. Strong backlighting suggests quartz rather than ordinary glass, though the image cannot confirm this conclusively.

Identified August 28, 2026More mineral →

Explore Tumbled quartz pebble (probable 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, or metamorphic fluids; the pebble was likely naturally weathered and/or tumbled by handling. Quartz formed throughout Earth’s history, commonly in veins and igneous rocks.

Uses & applications

Used in glass, ceramics, electronics, abrasives, countertops, and jewelry. Common tumbled pieces generally have modest decorative value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. Milky appearance usually results from microscopic fluid inclusions or structural defects.

Field identification & locations

Look for a glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary steel or window glass, and curved fracture surfaces; it should not scratch easily with a steel nail. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, river gravels, and granitic terrains.