mineral
Iron-stained milky quartz pebble
Quartz (SiO₂), commonly with iron-oxide staining
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMostly opaque white to gray with rusty-brown patches and a dull to glassy luster; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The specimen appears naturally weathered and roughly pebble-sized.
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Physical properties
Mostly opaque white to gray with rusty-brown patches and a dull to glassy luster; Mohs hardness 7, trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The specimen appears naturally weathered and roughly pebble-sized.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks and in hydrothermal veins; this piece was likely freed by weathering and transported as a pebble. Its precise age and source cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and abrasives; attractive pieces may be polished or collected.
Geological facts
Quartz is among Earth’s most abundant minerals; its iron staining comes from iron-bearing minerals or fluids.
Field identification & locations
Look for its hardness—quartz scratches glass—and lack of cleavage; rusty coatings and rounded edges often indicate weathering or transport. Common worldwide in veins, river gravels, and many rock types.
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