mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White/translucent with yellowish-orange iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous/waxy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White/translucent with yellowish-orange iron oxide staining
Luster: Vitreous/waxy

Identified April 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites. The yellow coloration is caused by surface staining or inclusions of iron oxides like limonite or goethite. These deposits can be found in rocks from almost any geological age.

Uses & applications

Used as a common decorative stone, in landscaping, and as a source of silica for industrial glass making. It is also of interest to amateur rockhounds and mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass and steel), lack of cleavage, and waxy luster. It is extremely common in areas with metamorphic or igneous activity.

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