mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent with orange/yellow iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

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

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, granitic pegmatites, and igneous rocks through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. The orange tint is caused by surface oxidation of iron-bearing minerals (limonite or hematite).

Uses & applications

Used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics, as an abrasive, and in the production of silicon for electronics. Found in decorative landscaping and as low-value mineral specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Milky quartz gets its cloudy appearance from minute fluid inclusions of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent 'milky' appearance. Commonly found in stream beds, gravel pits, and mountain ranges globally.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock