mineral

Milky quartz-bearing rock

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely massive quartz with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous-to-greasy luster, irregular fracture, and no obvious cleavage; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, with specific gravity about 2.65. The brown coloration likely comes from surface iron oxides or weathering, while the darker attached material may be country rock or an included mineral.

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures in surrounding rock, later weathering at the surface; the specimen’s precise geological age cannot be determined from the image. Common host settings include granite, metamorphic rocks, and quartz veins.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, ceramics, engineered stone, electronics, abrasives, and construction aggregate; attractive translucent pieces are collected or used decoratively, though this specimen appears ordinary rather than gem quality.

Geological facts

Milky quartz contains microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities that scatter light and make it opaque or cloudy. Iron staining can produce yellow, tan, orange, or brown coatings.

Field identification & locations

Field identification: quartz scratches glass, lacks cleavage, and commonly occurs as irregular white vein material; a steel knife should not scratch it. Common worldwide, especially in quartz veins and granitic or metamorphic terrains.