Mineral

Quartz with Iron Oxide Inclusions

SiO2 with Fe2O3 impurities

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale). Color: Clear/white quartz heavily stained with rusty orange/red iron oxide. Luster: Vitreous on quartz, earthy on oxide coating. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (quartz). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Luster: Vitreous on quartz, earthy on oxide coating

Identified April 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, or diverse geological environments where silica-rich fluids permeate. The orange/red coloring comes from subsequent exposure to iron-rich fluids or weathering processes depositing iron oxide (rust) onto or into the quartz.

Uses & applications

Often collected by hobbyists. Has no major industrial use in this impure form, though massive pure quartz is used in glass and electronics.

Geological facts

The reddish-orange staining is very common in surface-collected quartz and is often referred to as 'ferruginous quartz'.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its glassy luster, ability to scratch glass, and the distinct rusty-orange earthy coating. Found globally in areas with quartz veins and iron-rich soils.

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