mineral

Milky Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to off-white, translucent to opaque
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to off-white, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous rocks. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, shaped by erosion and transport in water over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a decorative garden stone or in landscaping. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and glass manufacturing.

Geological facts

Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from microscopic inclusions of fluids or gases trapped during the crystal's growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and smooth, rounded surface indicating water wear. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits.