mineral

Milky quartz with iron staining

Quartz (SiO₂), likely massive vein quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 on the Mohs scale; cloudy white to translucent with rusty brown iron-oxide staining and a vitreous-to-dull luster. Trigonal crystal structure, but this specimen is massive and shows no obvious cleavage, breaking with irregular or conchoidal fracture.

Identified October 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed as silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures and crystallized as a quartz vein; iron oxides later stained its surface. Quartz veins form in many geological eras and settings.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glassmaking, abrasives, engineered stone, and mineral collecting; attractive pieces may be cut or polished for décor.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and resists chemical weathering, so it commonly persists after surrounding rock erodes.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness near 7, glassy luster, and lack of cleavage; iron staining is common in exposed veins. Found worldwide, especially in fractured igneous and metamorphic terrains.