mineral

Iron-stained quartz/quartzite fragment

Quartz (SiO₂), likely massive quartz with limonite/goethite staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to cream, translucent areas with orange-brown iron-oxide staining; vitreous to waxy luster and irregular fracture. Mohs hardness ~7; no cleavage; trigonal crystal structure, though crystals are not obvious; specific gravity ~2.65.

Identified September 20, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely silica-rich vein material or quartzite altered and stained by oxidizing groundwater; the specimen’s precise geological age and locality cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; attractive pieces may be collected or used decoratively, but this specimen is unlikely to be jewelry grade.

Geological facts

The orange coloration is probably limonite/goethite rather than the main mineral. Quartz should scratch ordinary glass, while a steel knife generally will not scratch it.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, hardness, conchoidal or irregular fracture, and absence of cleavage; an acid test is generally unhelpful. Common worldwide in hydrothermal veins, sandstone, and metamorphic quartzite.