mineral

Milky Quartz with Pyrite and Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Disulfide (FeS2) inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Quartz) / 6-6.5 (Pyrite). Color: White to translucent with metallic gold flecks and reddish-orange staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal. Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 (Quartz) / 6-6
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich hot fluids. The iron staining occurs from the oxidation of iron-bearing minerals (like pyrite) when exposed to water and air.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as decorative garden stone, landscape rock, or for mineral collecting. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and glass manufacturing.

Geological facts

The reddish-orange patches are often called 'Golden Healer' in metaphysical circles, though geologically it is simply hematite or limonite staining. The metallic inclusion is pyrite, famously known as 'fool\'s gold'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), its conchoidal (shell-like) fracture, and the presence of metallic inclusions. Commonly found in mountainous regions or creek beds near quartz veins.

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Arenite (SiO2 based)

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Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

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Mineral

Nephrite Jade

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Mineral/Rock