mineral

Raw milky quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), likely iron-stained quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with vitreous-to-pearly luster, irregular fracture, and no obvious cleavage. The yellow-brown coloration is likely limonite or iron-oxide staining; crystalline structure is trigonal, though the specimen appears massive rather than well-crystallized.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly precipitates from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in veins, cavities, and fractures of older igneous or metamorphic rocks. Its formation age cannot be determined from the photograph and may range from Precambrian to recent geological events.

Uses & applications

Used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, engineered stone, and silicon production; attractive pieces are sold as inexpensive mineral specimens. This rough specimen has limited jewelry value unless cut or polished.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering. Milky quartz gets its cloudiness from microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or defects.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy appearance, white translucency, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel knife should not scratch it. Common worldwide in quartz veins, granite pegmatites, and metamorphic rocks.