mineral

Milky quartz

Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, glassy-to-dull luster, with no visible cleavage and uneven fracture; Mohs hardness 7. The rusty-brown patches are likely iron-oxide staining.

Identified October 14, 2026More mineral →

Explore Milky quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

White to translucent, glassy-to-dull luster, with no visible cleavage and uneven fracture; Mohs hardness 7. The rusty-brown patches are likely iron-oxide staining.

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms when silica-rich fluids crystallize in fractures and veins, often during late-stage igneous or metamorphic activity. Its exact geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Commonly used for decorative stone, carvings, and mineral collecting; industrial quartz is used in glass and silica products.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and forms hexagonal crystals, though this specimen appears massive rather than visibly crystalline.

Field identification & locations

A glass scratch test can help identify quartz: it should scratch ordinary glass; avoid testing valuable specimens. Look for hardness, lack of cleavage, and irregular fracture in quartz veins and pegmatites worldwide.