mineral
Ferruginous Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-brown to rusty orange; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Yellowish-brown to rusty orange
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Ferruginous Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Yellowish-brown to rusty orange; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; 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 environments where iron-rich waters permeate quartz crystals, staining them with hematite or limonite.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a collector specimen or lapidary material for tumbling and carving; occasionally used in metaphysical practices.
Geological facts
Also known as 'Healer's Gold' or 'Hematoid Quartz' when the iron inclusions are more distinct; the brown color is typically due to the presence of limonite or goethite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and its translucent to opaque earthy-yellow color. Common in riverbeds, gravel pits, and quartz-rich outcrops globally.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous