mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white with reddish-brown iron staining; 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 iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cool in veins and cavities within various rock types. The reddish tint comes from later oxidation of iron minerals like hematite or goethite.

Uses & applications

Silicon used in microchips and solar cells, abrasive material, quartz crystals for watches/electronics, and popular as cabinet specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which originally meant 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (can scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and white-to-stained appearance. Highly common in igneous and metamorphic terrains worldwide.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral