mineral

Ferruginous Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide (Limonite/Hematite)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent with yellow, orange, and rusty brown staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites. The orange/brown staining is caused by secondary iron oxide minerals (like goethite or limonite) leaching into micro-fractures in the quartz over geological time.

Uses & applications

Primary source of silica for glass and electronics; common in lapidary work and as mineral specimens for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Specimens with this specific golden-brown staining are often called 'Golden Healer Quartz' in metaphysical circles.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass, lack of cleavage, and the characteristic rusty 'iron-stained' appearance. It is found globally, particularly in areas with high metamorphic or igneous activity.

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

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