mineral

Milky quartz with iron staining

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly with minor iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to gray, translucent patches, vitreous to dull luster, and no cleavage, with irregular fracture. The small specimen appears massive rather than distinctly crystal-faced.

Identified October 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to gray, translucent patches, vitreous to dull luster, and no cleavage, with irregular fracture. The small specimen appears massive rather than distinctly crystal-faced.

Formation & geological history

Quartz formed when silica-rich fluids crystallized in a vein or cavity; the iron staining likely came from later oxidation. Quartz veins occur in rocks of many geological ages.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, construction, and jewelry; this small rough piece is mainly suitable for collecting or display.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and can persist through weathering because of its hardness and chemical resistance.

Field identification & locations

Look for hardness sufficient to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and a glassy fracture; the photo is consistent with quartz, though identification is not definitive from appearance alone. Quartz occurs worldwide in veins, pegmatites, and many rock types.