mineral

Milky quartz with iron staining

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂), likely massive or vein quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically hardness 7 Mohs, white to translucent, with a glassy-to-waxy luster and no true cleavage; hexagonal crystal structure, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65. The yellow-brown areas are likely iron-oxide staining or minor included minerals.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids fill fractures or crystallize in igneous and metamorphic rocks; quartz veins range from Precambrian to modern geological ages. The specimen appears naturally fractured and minimally processed.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and silicon production; attractive translucent pieces are collected, though this rough material has little jewelry value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is resistant to weathering, often surviving as sand or vein fragments.

Field identification & locations

Identify by scratching glass, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and white translucency; common worldwide in granite, pegmatites, metamorphic rocks, and hydrothermal veins. Estimated value: $1–$10 for a common small specimen; higher only if crystals or unusual inclusions are present.