mineral

Milky Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White/Opaque with orange-red iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal. Cleavage: Poor/Conchoidal fracture. Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White/Opaque with orange-red iron oxide staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified May 10, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites through the cooling of silica-rich fluids. Milky quartz specifically gets its color from microscopic inclusions of fluids or gas trapped during crystal growth. Iron staining occurs from subsequent exposure to weathering and iron-rich groundwater.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, ceramics, and as an abrasive in industry. Also used for landscaping, as garden stones, or for spiritual/reiki collecting.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The 'milky' appearance is caused by tiny bubbles of gas or liquid trapped during the crystal's formation millions of years ago.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and typical conchoidal fracture. Extremely common worldwide, often found in mountain ranges, stream beds, and gravel pits.

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