metamorphic
Orange Quartzite / Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Rusty orange/tan with white areas, Luster: Vitreous to greasy (when wet), Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Microcrystalline, Specific Gravity: approx 2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Rusty orange/tan with white areas, Luster: Vitreous to greasy (when wet), Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Microcrystalline, Specific Gravity: approx 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz sandstone (quartzite) or as a water-worn river cobble of vein quartz. Iron minerals like hematite or limonite leach into the stone to provide the orange tint.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as decorative landscaping stone, aquarium rocks, or lapidary material for tumbling and polishing.
Geological facts
Orange-tinted quartz is often called 'Ferruginous Quartz' because of its iron content. The rounded shape indicates it has been tumbled naturally by water in a river or beach environment.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of visible grains. Found globally in riverbeds, glacial tills, and mountainous regions.
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