mineral

Iron-stained quartz (likely quartzite or quartz vein fragment)

Quartz, SiO₂, with iron-oxide staining; host rock appearance suggests quartzite or a quartz vein

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness 7; translucent to transparent white-gray quartz with honey-brown iron-oxide inclusions, vitreous luster, and irregular fracture. Quartz is hexagonal/trigonal, lacks cleavage, and has specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified September 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich fluids deposited quartz in fractures, or when quartz-rich sediment was metamorphosed into quartzite; iron minerals later oxidized to produce the brown staining. Exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used for silica, glass, ceramics, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are collected as mineral specimens, though this small rough fragment has little jewelry value.

Geological facts

The brown coloration is commonly caused by limonite/goethite coatings or inclusions rather than colored quartz itself. Quartz can scratch ordinary glass and is much harder than steel.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal veins and quartzite terrains worldwide, including Brazil, the United States, Madagascar, and Australia. Confirm with a glass-scratch test and streak/acid tests; avoid confusing it with calcite, which is softer and cleaves readily.