mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to milky with yellow/orange iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Translucent white to milky with yellow/orange iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 7, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites when silica-rich solutions cool. The milky appearance is caused by tiny inclusions of gas or liquid during crystal growth. Yellow staining is typically from secondary iron oxide weathering.

Uses & applications

Used in glass manufacturing, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative gemstones or landscape stone.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust. 'Milky Quartz' gets its name from the microscopic fluid bubbles that scatter light, creating a cloudy appearance.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and typical translucent 'waxy' appearance. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous terrain worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

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

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral