mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Staining

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, opaque to translucent with orange/brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White, opaque to translucent with orange/brown iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins or as a late-stage mineral in igneous pegmatites. The orange coloration comes from surface oxidation of iron-bearing minerals (limonite or hematite).

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative gravel or landscaping stone. Higher quality specimens are used for jewelry and carvings.

Geological facts

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

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife), lack of cleavage, and characteristic glassy luster. It is highly resistant to weathering and found globally in mountain ranges and stream beds.

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