mineral

Quartz with Hematite

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs); Color: Milky/smoky white with reddish-brown stains; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 (Mohs)
Color: Milky/smoky white with reddish-brown stains
Luster: Vitreous

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs); Color: Milky/smoky white with reddish-brown stains; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in veins or cavities where silica-rich fluids cooled and crystallized. The red coloration is due to the inclusion of Hematite (iron oxide) during or after the quartz formation.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as collector specimens, for metaphysical purposes, and sometimes as low-grade ore for silica in industrial glassmaking.

Geological facts

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in Earth's crust. When hematite is present as fine inclusions, it can create 'Strawberry Quartz' or 'Ferruginous Quartz'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and the characteristic conchoidal fracture. Reddish staining often indicates iron influence from surrounding country rock.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral