mineral
Iron-stained milky quartz
Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7; translucent white to gray with rusty orange-brown patches, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The rounded surface appears naturally worn or tumbled.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7; translucent white to gray with rusty orange-brown patches, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. The rounded surface appears naturally worn or tumbled.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and pegmatites; iron oxides can stain fractures and surfaces during later weathering. Quartz forms across many geological ages and settings.
Uses & applications
Commonly collected as a specimen and sometimes cut or polished for decorative objects; industrial quartz is used in glass, electronics, and abrasives.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and commonly occurs with iron-oxide coatings that produce yellow, orange, or brown colors.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its glassy luster, hardness, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; common worldwide in veins and weathered gravels. The image does not show enough detail to identify a specific locality.
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Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Unidentified pink-and-gray mineral or rock specimen
Undetermined; the image is too blurry for reliable identification
mineral