mineral

Milky quartz (likely iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to gray with vitreous luster and irregular/conchoidal fracture. Hexagonal crystal structure; no cleavage, though the specimen appears heavily fractured and may contain minor iron-oxide inclusions.

Identified September 13, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky quartz (likely iron-stained 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

Forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in veins, cavities, or igneous and metamorphic rocks. Quartz is common from Precambrian to modern deposits; the exact age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and electronics; attractive pieces are collected or used decoratively. This rough specimen has modest commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric, producing an electrical charge under pressure. Milky appearance commonly results from microscopic fluid inclusions or fractures.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; it should not be scratched by a steel knife. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and granite-rich terrains.