mineral
Quartz (Iron-stained)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White/clear with reddish-brown staining; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White/clear with reddish-brown staining
- Luster
- Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White/clear with reddish-brown staining; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or as a primary component of felsic igneous rocks. The staining comes from secondary iron oxide (limonite/hematite) precipitation in fractures.
Uses & applications
Raw quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and as an abrasive. Stained specimens are primarily for basic collections or landscape gravel.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens like these with iron staining are often called 'Iron Quartz' or 'Ferruginous Quartz'.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. It is found globally, very often in riverbeds or as eroded vein material.
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