mineral

Quartz vein rock with iron-oxide staining

Milky quartz (SiO₂), locally stained by hematite/goethite; possible feldspar or host-rock fragments

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; white to translucent, glassy-to-waxy luster, irregular fracture, and no obvious cleavage. Red-orange areas are likely iron oxides, while the coarse granular texture suggests a quartz-rich vein or breccia.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz vein rock with iron-oxide staining
Scientific name: Milky quartz (SiO₂), locally stained by hematite/goethite; possible feldspar or host-rock fragments
Category: mineral
Identified: August 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$25 as a common hand specimen; $30–$100 if unusually attractive, crystalline, or from a documented locality.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures and crystallized, later weathering to produce red hematite/goethite staining; exact age and host rock cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz specimens are collected decoratively and used in glass, abrasives, electronics, and engineered stone; iron-stained pieces are mainly ornamental or educational.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. The red coloration generally reflects oxidized iron rather than red quartz itself.

Field identification & locations

Look for scratch resistance against glass, translucent gray-white quartz, and rusty red coatings; avoid confusing it with glass or resin. Common in hydrothermal veins worldwide, especially in granitic and metamorphic terrains.