mineral

Milky quartz vein with iron-oxide staining

Quartz (SiO₂), likely vein quartz stained by hematite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mostly opaque white to translucent quartz with a glassy luster and irregular fracture; hardness 7 on the Mohs scale, trigonal crystal structure, and no cleavage. Red-orange streaks are likely iron oxides along fractures.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz-rich fluids filled cracks in surrounding rock and crystallized as a vein; later oxidation of iron-bearing minerals produced the staining. Vein formation could occur in many geological eras, and the image does not establish its age.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, and decorative stone; attractive iron-stained pieces are kept as specimens or used in lapidary work.

Geological facts

Quartz is among Earth’s most abundant minerals. Its lack of cleavage and conchoidal-to-irregular fracture help distinguish it from feldspar.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness sufficient to scratch glass, no cleavage, and a glassy appearance; the rusty color typically follows fractures. Quartz veins occur worldwide in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary terrains.