mineral

Ferruginous Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow-orange to rusty brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Yellow-orange to rusty brown
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 9, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Yellow-orange to rusty brown; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral in sedimentary deposits where iron-rich groundwater stains preexisting quartz. These can range from millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Mostly used for mineral collecting and metaphysical practices. Higher quality specimens may be tumbled or cut into beads for jewelry.

Geological facts

Also known as 'Hematoid Quartz' or 'Golden Healer' in the gem trade. The orange color is caused by microscopic deposits of hematite or limonite within the quartz lattice or surface cracks.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it should scratch glass) and its characteristic iron staining that cannot be easily washed off. Commonly found in riverbeds, quarries, and mountain ranges globally.

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