mineral

Iron-stained milky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent gray with rusty red-brown patches and a vitreous luster. Quartz has a hexagonal crystal structure and no cleavage, breaking with irregular to conchoidal fractures.

Identified September 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed as quartz in a vein or pegmatite, then stained by iron oxides during weathering. Quartz occurs in rocks of many ages; the specimen’s age and exact formation setting cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, abrasives, electronics, and as a decorative or lapidary material. This rough, stained piece is chiefly of modest collector interest.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and ranks 7 on the Mohs hardness scale.

Field identification & locations

The glassy, translucent interior, irregular fracture, and lack of obvious cleavage are consistent with quartz; reddish-brown areas are likely iron staining. Common worldwide in veins, pegmatites, and many sedimentary and igneous rocks.