mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Opaque white to translucent with orange/brown iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly by crystallizing from cooling magma or precipitating from hydrothermal veins. The iron staining occurs when groundwater containing dissolved iron minerals flows over the quartz, depositing oxides like limonite or hematite in cracks.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used widely in construction (sand/aggregate), glassmaking, and as an abrasive. While milky quartz is rarely used in high-end jewelry, it is popular for tumbling, decorative garden stone, and metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during crystal growth. Iron-stained quartz is sometimes referred to as 'Golden Healer' in spiritual communities.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness 7) and its lack of cleavage. Look for it in riverbeds, mountain scree, or near hydrothermal deposits. Collectors should look for specimens with distinct crystal faces if possible.

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