mineral
Quartz (Common or Milky Quartz) with Iron Staining
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to peach/orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Translucent white to peach/orange
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy) to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz (Common or Milky Quartz) with Iron Staining in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to peach/orange; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from the cooling of silica-rich magma or through hydrothermal activity where mineral-rich water fills veins and cavities. The orange tint is caused by trace inclusions of hematite or limonite (iron oxides).
Uses & applications
Commonly used in glassmaking, electronics (as a piezoelectric material), jewelry (as semi-precious stones), and as an abrasive in sandpaper.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it is often found as smooth pebbles in riverbeds or on beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. This specific specimen is a water-worn or weathered pebble likely found in a river or gravel deposit. Look for translucent, waxy surfaces.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock