mineral

Ferruginous Quartz / Sunstone-like Feldspar Pegmatite

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Iron Oxide inclusions (or Quartz with Feldspar/Mica)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: reddish-orange, translucent smoky-tan, brown with red specks; Luster: vitreous to glistening; Cleavage: poor/conchoidal in quartz regions; Specific gravity: ~2.65

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale
Color: reddish-orange, translucent smoky-tan, brown with red specks
Luster: vitreous to glistening

Identified October 2, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale; Color: reddish-orange, translucent smoky-tan, brown with red specks; Luster: vitreous to glistening; Cleavage: poor/conchoidal in quartz regions; Specific gravity: ~2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in pegmatitic veins or hydrothermal environments where silica-rich fluids crystallized with iron oxide impurities, creating hematite staining or inclusions.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as a decorative specimen, tumbled or shaped for lapidary work and wire-wrapped jewelry, or admired in rockhounding collections.

Geological facts

Iron oxides like hematite and goethite often tint clear quartz into bright fiery reds, oranges, and browns, sometimes producing an effect called 'harlequin quartz' or 'fire quartz' when microscopic plates glitter inside.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass), glassy fractured surface, and internal reddish-brown iron oxide patches or flecks. Widely found in gravel beds, pegmatite outcrops, and riverbeds.