mineral

Iron-stained Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Limonite/Hematite inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellowish-brown to orange from iron oxide; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal (hexagonal system); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Yellowish-brown to orange from iron oxide
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified April 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where silica-rich fluids crystallize. The yellow-brown staining occurs when iron-bearing minerals like limonite or hematite leach into the fractures or coat the surface over geological time.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative landscaping stones, aquarium decor, or as specimens for amateur mineral collectors. High-purity quartz is used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Iron-stained quartz is sometimes mistakenly called 'golden healer quartz' or 'limonite quartz' in metaphysical communities.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it scratches glass easily), visible conchoidal (shell-like) fractures, and the fact that the yellow color often resides in cracks or on the surface rather than being uniform throughout the crystal.

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