mineral
Ferruginous Quartz (Iron-stained Quartz)
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty red, orange, and white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- Rusty red, orange, and white
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More mineral →
Explore Ferruginous Quartz (Iron-stained Quartz) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty red, orange, and white; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a secondary deposit where iron-rich groundwater stains existing quartz over geological time. Often found as river-worn cobbles.
Uses & applications
Primarily collected as a lapidary material or specimen; also used in landscaping and as a source of high-purity silica in industrial glassmaking if cleaned.
Geological facts
The red coloration is caused by thin films or inclusions of hematite or limonite. In many cultures, these are referred to as 'Hematoïd Quartz' or 'Fire Quartz' when the inclusions are bright red.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its superior hardness (cannot be scratched by steel) and various iron-staining patterns. Common in gravel pits and riverbeds globally.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock