mineral

Milky quartz with iron staining

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-dull luster and irregular fracture, lacking cleavage. The specimen appears granular or druzy, with rusty staining and dark surface inclusions.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with a vitreous-to-dull luster and irregular fracture, lacking cleavage. The specimen appears granular or druzy, with rusty staining and dark surface inclusions.

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and cavities, or forms in igneous and metamorphic rocks; its age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, ceramics, electronics, and construction; attractive specimens are collected or used decoratively.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and has a trigonal crystal structure, even when individual crystals are too small to see.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness near 7, no cleavage, and glass-scratching ability; milky quartz is widespread in veins and many rock types worldwide. The image suggests a quartz-rich fragment, but does not establish its exact setting or inclusions.