mineral

Iron-stained Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Limonite inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to yellow, orange, and brownish-gold due to iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to waxy. Crystal Structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified July 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydro-thermal processes in veins within various rock types, then weathered and water-worn into a smooth river or beach pebble over thousands to millions of years. Iron oxide staining occurs from secondary groundwater mineral deposits.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected as river rocks, used in landscaping, tumbling for lapidary arts, and decorative polished stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. Iron oxide coatings give quartz a characteristic golden or rusty hue, often called 'golden healer' quartz by gem collectors when internal inclusions create iridescence.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass readily), smooth water-rounded surface, waxy to vitreous luster, and yellowish-brown iron staining along micro-fractures. Commonly found in stream beds, riverbanks, and glacial drift deposits worldwide.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Schist

Metamorphic

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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