mineral
White quartz pebble
Quartz (SiO₂), likely milky quartz
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite, opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture; quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, Mohs hardness 7, and specific gravity about 2.65. The small, worn specimen’s appearance alone cannot confirm its identity.
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Physical properties
White, opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and irregular fracture; quartz has a trigonal crystal structure, Mohs hardness 7, and specific gravity about 2.65. The small, worn specimen’s appearance alone cannot confirm its identity.
Formation & geological history
Quartz commonly crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in igneous and metamorphic settings, then persists as pebbles after weathering and transport; its exact age and source cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces may be collected or used decoratively.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has no true cleavage, typically breaking with a curved or uneven fracture.
Field identification & locations
A glass scratch test can help distinguish quartz (it usually scratches glass), but avoid damaging an unidentified specimen. Quartz occurs worldwide in veins, pegmatites, and river or beach gravels.
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Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
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Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous