mineral

Iron-stained quartz (likely milky quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂, with limonite/goethite iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Translucent gray-white to honey-brown, vitreous to dull luster, massive rather than visibly crystalline, with irregular fracture and no obvious cleavage. Mohs hardness 7; quartz specific gravity about 2.65, though staining and inclusions alter appearance.

Identified September 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely quartz formed in a hydrothermal vein or weathered quartz-bearing rock, later coated or permeated by iron oxides. The photograph cannot establish geological age; such material is common in Precambrian basement and younger vein systems.

Uses & applications

Ordinary specimens have little commercial value; quartz is important in glass, electronics, abrasives, and engineered stone. Attractive translucent pieces may be kept as hand specimens.

Geological facts

The orange-brown coloration is typical of limonite/goethite weathering products rather than a distinct orange quartz variety. A steel file should not scratch fresh quartz, while quartz can scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Common around quartz veins, pegmatites, granitic rocks, and iron-rich weathering zones. Near 8.5°N, 8.5°E in central Nigeria, quartz-rich veins and weathered basement rocks make this identification plausible; confirm with a glass-scratch test and streak/acid tests, avoiding damage to valued material.