mineral

Tumbled milky quartz with iron staining

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely massive quartz or quartz vein material

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs hardness 7, white to translucent with a vitreous-to-waxy luster; lacks visible cleavage and has conchoidal fracture. The brown-red patches are likely iron-oxide staining, while the rounded shape indicates tumbling or natural abrasion.

Identified August 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallized from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, commonly filling fractures in host rock; iron minerals later oxidized along cracks. The specimen’s exact geological age cannot be determined visually and depends on its source deposit.

Uses & applications

Used for lapidary work, carvings, decorative stone, and industrial silica; this piece is mainly a small ornamental or teaching specimen.

Geological facts

Milky quartz appears cloudy because microscopic fluid inclusions, fractures, or mineral impurities scatter light. It can resemble white chalcedony, but massive quartz is generally harder and more coarsely fractured.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, no cleavage, and irregular/conchoidal fractures; common worldwide in quartz veins and pegmatites. A streak, acid, or magnet test is usually unnecessary.