mineral

Iron-stained quartz (likely milky quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), colored by iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale; reddish-brown to pink with a glassy-to-dull luster and uneven fracture. Quartz has a trigonal crystal structure and no cleavage; the specimen appears massive rather than well-crystallized.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

Explore Iron-stained quartz (likely milky quartz) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms in veins and pegmatites as silica-rich fluids cool, and can also occur in many other rock settings. The rusty color likely comes from iron oxides deposited during weathering; its exact age and host setting cannot be determined from the photo.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, abrasives, and as a decorative or collecting specimen; this rough piece has no obvious gem-grade features.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and scratches ordinary glass. Iron staining can color otherwise pale quartz red, orange, or brown.

Field identification & locations

Look for its glassy sheen, hardness, and lack of cleavage; a steel knife generally will not scratch quartz. Common worldwide in veins and gravel; the image alone cannot establish a precise locality or confirm the iron staining.