mineral

Milky quartz with iron staining and dark mineral inclusions

Quartz, SiO₂; likely iron-oxide staining, with an unidentified dark inclusion

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mostly opaque white to translucent, with a vitreous luster where wet or polished. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, a trigonal crystal structure, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture; the specimen’s rounded shape and surface finish make exact properties harder to assess.

Identified October 16, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely quartz formed in a hydrothermal vein or pegmatite and later weathered into a rounded pebble. Quartz occurs in rocks of many geological ages; the image cannot establish this specimen’s age or exact formation setting.

Uses & applications

Quartz is widely used in glass, electronics, and construction; attractive pieces may be collected or used decoratively.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals, and iron oxides commonly produce yellow-brown staining.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness near 7, glassy luster, and lack of cleavage; milky quartz is common in veins and stream gravels worldwide. The dark patch could be another mineral, but cannot be identified from the image alone.