mineral

Ferruginous Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Brownish-orange to tan due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: ~2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Brownish-orange to tan due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified April 2, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Brownish-orange to tan due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); SG: ~2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich hydrothermal fluids. The brown/orange coloration is a result of secondary iron oxide infiltration (like limonite or hematite) into cracks and surfaces over geological time.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as low-grade lapidary material, decorative garden stone, and in metaphysical collecting. Industrial quartz is used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Ferruginous quartz specifically is often called 'Iron Quartz' or 'Golden Healer' in the gem trade.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and the presence of rust-colored staining on crystalline surfaces. Common globally in pegmatites and vein deposits.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral