mineral

Iron-stained quartz vein rock

Predominantly quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide/hydroxide staining, likely limonite/goethite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Quartz is Mohs 7, vitreous to waxy, with a trigonal crystal structure and no cleavage; the specimen is milky to translucent with rusty-brown staining and a rough, irregular surface. Exact composition and specific gravity cannot be determined from the image.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Iron-stained quartz vein rock in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz vein rock
Scientific name: Predominantly quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide/hydroxide staining, likely limonite/goethite
Category: mineral
Identified: October 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $1–$10 USD as a small, common hand specimen; higher value would require distinctive crystals, locality, or verified mineralization.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed when silica-rich fluids filled fractures and crystallized as quartz, later acquiring iron staining through weathering. The age and precise geological setting cannot be established visually.

Uses & applications

Common quartz-rich material is used in glass, construction aggregate, and collecting; this small specimen has little apparent jewelry or industrial value.

Geological facts

Iron oxides can coat or permeate quartz, producing yellow, ochre, and brown colors without changing the quartz crystals themselves.

Field identification & locations

Quartz-rich areas appear glassy and may scratch ordinary glass; iron staining is not diagnostic, so hardness or laboratory testing would help confirm the identification. Quartz veins occur in many rock types worldwide.