mineral

Iron-stained quartz (likely quartzite or vein quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂, with iron-oxide/hydroxide staining; possibly ferruginous quartzite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; translucent gray, white, and honey-brown; vitreous to dull luster; irregular fracture and no obvious cleavage. The orange-brown coloration likely comes from limonite/goethite coatings or inclusions.

Identified September 1, 2026More mineral →

Explore Iron-stained quartz (likely quartzite or vein 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 either as quartz in a hydrothermal vein or as quartz-rich sandstone recrystallized into quartzite, with later weathering and iron staining. The photograph cannot establish geological age.

Uses & applications

Common material for teaching and collecting; quartzite is used as aggregate and dimension stone. Attractive translucent pieces may be cut or polished, though this specimen appears mainly collector-grade.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly produces a glassy fracture and can scratch ordinary glass. Orange-brown iron staining is especially common in weathered tropical and savanna terrains.

Field identification & locations

Likely identifiable by its hardness, lack of cleavage, and glassy fracture; a steel knife should not scratch it. Around 8.5°N, 8.5°E in central Nigeria, quartz veins and ferruginous quartzite are geologically plausible, but confirmation requires a fresh broken surface or hardness, streak, and acid tests.