mineral

Golden-brown druzy quartz cluster

Quartz, silicon dioxide (SiO₂), likely iron-stained or included with limonite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7 Mohs; translucent white to honey-brown, vitreous luster, with many tiny quartz crystals coating a massive quartz base. Quartz is trigonal and lacks cleavage, showing conchoidal fracture; specific gravity is about 2.65.

Identified August 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or groundwater precipitated quartz in cavities and fractures, with later iron-oxide staining producing the brown-gold color. The exact geological age cannot be determined from the image; such material occurs in many volcanic and hydrothermal settings.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative mineral specimen, lapidary material, and occasional jewelry component; attractive druzy pieces commonly serve as display stones.

Geological facts

The sparkling surface is called druzy or druse, meaning a coating of microscopic crystals. Brown coloration may be from iron oxides rather than naturally brown quartz itself.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy sparkle, crystal points, high hardness, and inability to scratch with a steel knife; quartz should scratch ordinary glass. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Morocco, and U.S. hydrothermal districts.