mineral

Orange Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to deep orange/yellow due to limonite or hematite staining. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the cooling of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal veins. The orange coloration typically occurs as a secondary staining from iron-rich groundwater or external mineral coatings rather than a change in the internal crystal lattice.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative specimens, in landscaping, minor jewelry (cabochons), and by collectors of metaphysical crystals. Quartz itself is vital for electronics and glass making.

Geological facts

Orange-stained quartz is often mistaken for Citrine, however, true Citrine is colored by iron impurities within the crystal lattice, whereas this specimen appears to have surface staining or inclusions of iron oxides like limonite.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and the tendency of the orange color to be concentrated in cracks or on the surface of white milky quartz. Found globally in granitic and metamorphic environments.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

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Epidote

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Nephrite Jade

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Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic