mineral

Iron-stained milky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), with reddish-brown iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with rusty orange-brown patches and a vitreous luster. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with conchoidal fracture; specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with rusty orange-brown patches and a vitreous luster. Trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with conchoidal fracture; specific gravity about 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Quartz formed from silica-rich fluids or cooling magma; iron oxides later stained parts of the surface. Quartz occurs in rocks of many ages and settings.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and decorative stone; this small specimen is mainly suitable for collecting or display.

Geological facts

The orange-brown coloration is likely from iron oxides such as hematite or goethite rather than a separate orange quartz variety.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and absence of cleavage. Quartz is widespread in veins and many igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks; this rounded piece’s exact locality cannot be determined from the image.