mineral

Orange-stained milky quartz

Quartz, SiO₂, with iron-oxide staining (likely hematite/goethite)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Mostly white to translucent, with a rusty orange surface coating; vitreous luster and irregular fracture, with no obvious cleavage. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a hexagonal crystal structure; the image does not show enough detail to determine specific gravity.

Identified October 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms in silica-rich hydrothermal veins and cavities; iron-bearing fluids can later stain its surface orange. Its age and exact formation setting cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and ornamental objects; this small iron-stained fragment is mainly suitable for a collection or craft use.

Geological facts

The orange color likely comes from iron oxides rather than orange quartz itself. Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals.

Field identification & locations

A likely identification is a quartz fragment with rusty staining; confirm with a scratch test on an inconspicuous spot (quartz should scratch glass). Common worldwide, including in vein and cavity deposits.