mineral

Ferruginous Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White to milky with reddish-brown hematite staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White to milky with reddish-brown hematite staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 16, 2026More mineral →

Explore Ferruginous Quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites. The red coloration (hematite or limonite) often precipitates within micro-fractures of the quartz during or after primary formation. Found in geological environments ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative garden stone, in landscaping, as a source of silica for industrial glass (if pure), and by amateur mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Red quartz is often mistaken for rose quartz, but its color comes from iron oxide coatings or inclusions rather than titanium/manganese in the crystal lattice. It is sometimes called 'Iron Quartz' or 'Hematoid Quartz'.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass (hardness 7) and its lack of cleavage. Look for characteristic rusty red banding or staining against a milky white background. Common worldwide in areas with igneous or metamorphic basement rocks.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock