mineral

Milky quartz with iron-oxide staining

Quartz, SiO₂; likely a vein-quartz pebble

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to gray, partly translucent quartz with brown iron-oxide staining and a glassy-to-waxy luster. Mohs hardness 7; hexagonal crystal structure, no cleavage, uneven to conchoidal fracture; specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich fluids filled fractures and crystallized, likely during an ancient episode of veining; the image does not reveal its precise age or source rock.

Uses & applications

Quartz is widely used in glass, ceramics, electronics, and construction; this rough specimen is mainly suitable for collecting or display.

Geological facts

Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid or gas inclusions that scatter light. Brown patches commonly reflect iron oxides such as limonite or goethite.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness that scratches glass and resistance to scratching by a steel knife; quartz commonly occurs in veins and stream gravels worldwide. Exact locality cannot be determined from the photo.