mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

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

Identified July 21, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky Quartz with Iron Staining in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize. The orange staining is caused by secondary oxidation of iron-bearing minerals like goethite or hematite infiltrating fractures.

Uses & applications

Industrial use in glassmaking, electronics, and abrasives. As a specimen, it is popular for metaphysical use and beginner rock collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens like this are often called 'Golden Healer' in spiritual circles due to the iron-rich inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and translucent 'milky' appearance. It is found globally, especially in mountain ranges and riverbeds.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock