mineral

Milky Quartz with Hematite Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with reddish-brown staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent with reddish-brown staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or igneous intrusions. The reddish staining is caused by iron oxide (Hematite) impurities that seeped into fractures over time.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and electronics. Common in landscaping, decorative stone, and as minor lapidary material for hobbyists.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from tiny gas or liquid inclusions trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and waxy/glassy luster. To clean staining, collectors often use phosphoric or oxalic acid. Found globally in almost all geological environments.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral