mineral
Milky quartz with iron-oxide staining
Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous to sugary luster, massive/granular texture, and no true cleavage. The yellow-orange base is likely limonite/goethite staining; specific gravity is about 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent, vitreous to sugary luster, massive/granular texture, and no true cleavage. The yellow-orange base is likely limonite/goethite staining; specific gravity is about 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or forms in veins and cavities, commonly in igneous and metamorphic rocks; the specimen’s exact age and locality cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive mineral specimens or lapidary material.
Geological facts
Milky appearance results from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or intergrown crystals scattering light. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant and chemically resistant minerals.
Field identification & locations
Identify it by its glassy appearance, lack of cleavage, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and inability to be scratched by a steel nail. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites.
