mineral

Weathered quartz-rich pebble

Milky quartz, SiO₂, possibly quartzite or quartz-veined rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to cream, translucent patches, vitreous-to-dull luster, massive granular texture, no obvious cleavage, Mohs hardness ~7, and specific gravity ~2.65. Brown coloration is likely iron-oxide staining and surface weathering.

Identified August 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallized from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or cooled within an igneous rock; if quartzite, it formed by metamorphism of sandstone. The specimen’s precise age and host rock cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces may be sold as inexpensive cabinet or teaching specimens.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to chemical weathering, allowing it to accumulate in streambeds and soils.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its hardness—quartz scratches ordinary glass—and its lack of cleavage; calcite would fizz in dilute acid and is much softer. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins, granitic terrains, and river gravels.