mineral
Milky quartz in weathered host rock
Quartz, SiO₂; likely a quartz vein in altered country rock
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectThe specimen shows massive, cloudy-white quartz with rusty tan iron-oxide staining and a rough gray-brown outer surface. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, and no cleavage; crystal structure is trigonal, though crystals are not visible here.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Milky quartz in weathered host rock in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
The specimen shows massive, cloudy-white quartz with rusty tan iron-oxide staining and a rough gray-brown outer surface. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, and no cleavage; crystal structure is trigonal, though crystals are not visible here.
Formation & geological history
Likely formed when silica-rich fluids filled a fracture and quartz crystallized, followed by weathering and iron staining. The image alone cannot establish its age or precise host rock.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and decorative stone; this rough piece is mainly suitable for collecting or display.
Geological facts
Milky appearance comes from microscopic fluid or gas inclusions and internal fractures that scatter light.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy fracture surfaces, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and lack of cleavage; iron staining commonly marks weathered veins. Quartz veins occur worldwide in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary terrains.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary