mineral

Milky Quartz with Hematite inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white with reddish-brown spots/streaks; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white with reddish-brown spots/streaks
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or cavities. The reddish-brown spotting is caused by Hematite inclusions or iron-oxide staining from weathering.

Uses & applications

Used as an abrasive, in glass making, as a gemstone (when clear), and in electronics. Hematite-stained quartz is popular for lapidary work and 'rock hounding' collections.

Geological facts

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens like this, smoothed by water, are often called 'river stones' or 'beach pebbles'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and white-to-pinkish translucent body with iron staining. Found globally in riverbeds and mountainous regions.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

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metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock