mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to light gray with brown/yellow iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Opaque white to light gray with brown/yellow iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 4, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or pegmatites. The milky appearance is caused by tiny fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Uses & applications

Used in the production of glass, ceramics, and as an abrasive. Also used in construction aggregate and as decorative landscaping stones.

Geological facts

Milky quartz is the most common variety of crystalline quartz. Historically, it has been used for various stone tools due to its hardness and chip patterns.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its white color, inability to be scratched by a steel knife, and lack of cleavage (breaks like glass). Commonly found in mountain ranges and riverbeds worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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