mineral

White quartz pebble (likely milky quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous-to-waxy luster, and typically massive rather than visibly crystalline. It has conchoidal fracture, no cleavage, and specific gravity about 2.65; the smooth shape indicates tumbling or natural water abrasion.

Identified August 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, and igneous rocks; its milky appearance comes from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures. Quartz is common from Precambrian to modern geological settings and survives erosion as durable pebbles.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive polished pieces are inexpensive decorative or educational specimens.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. The photograph alone cannot reliably distinguish milky quartz from white chalcedony, marble, or another polished white stone.

Field identification & locations

A glass-scratch test can support quartz identification: quartz usually scratches ordinary glass, while a steel blade does not scratch it. Common sources include river gravels, quartz veins, granitic terrains, and beaches.