White Quartz Pebble

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Opaque white to milky, Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when tumbled), Crystal Structure: Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in Earth's crust. This specimen likely originated as a hydrothermal vein mineral or a component of igneous/metamorphic rock, which was subsequentally weathered, eroded, and rounded by water or mechanical tumbling.

Tumbled quartz is used widely in decorative landscaping, aquarium substrate, craft jewelry, and as a component in glassmaking and electronics when in its pure form.

Milky quartz gets its characteristic white, opaque appearance from microscopic inclusions of gas or liquid that were trapped during the crystal's growth.

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and resistance to chemical weathering. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and mountain trails worldwide.