mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Fe2O3

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White to translucent with orange/brown iron staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White to translucent with orange/brown iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 20, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky Quartz with Iron Inclusions 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 in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites from cooling silica-rich fluids. The orange staining is caused by iron oxides (limonite or hematite) leaching into cracks from surrounding minerals.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as a pocket stone, in home decor, for landscaping, or as a collection piece for beginner geologists.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens like this are often naturally tumbled and smoothed by water in riverbeds or on beaches.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, mountains, and gravel pits globally. This specific look is often called 'River Gold' or 'Iron Quartz' by casual collectors.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock