mineral

Iron-stained quartz crystal aggregate

Quartz (SiO₂), likely included or coated with limonite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7; translucent to transparent with colorless, smoky, and honey-brown areas; vitreous luster; trigonal crystal structure; no cleavage, conchoidal fracture. Brown coloration likely comes from iron oxides.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz crystallizes from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids, cavities, or veins; later weathering can deposit iron oxides on or within it. A precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a collector specimen, ornament, and source material for silica; attractive transparent pieces may be cut or polished, though this specimen appears mainly suitable for collecting.

Geological facts

The irregular sugary texture may represent an aggregate of small quartz crystals rather than one large crystal. Iron staining can range from pale amber to deep reddish brown.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its glassy luster, lack of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and ability to scratch ordinary glass; a steel knife should not scratch it. Common in quartz veins, geodes, pegmatites, and hydrothermal mineral districts worldwide.