mineral
Iron-stained Quartz Vein
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Limonite/Hematite inclusions
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent with orange/brown staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White to translucent with orange/brown staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: White to translucent with orange/brown staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal activity where silica-rich fluids precipitated in rock fractures. The orange color comes from later oxidation of iron-bearing minerals (rusting) forming limonite or hematite coatings.
Uses & applications
Primarily of interest to prospectors as quartz veins often host gold or silver. Industrial quartz is used in glassmaking and electronics.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Iron-stained quartz is a classic 'index' material for gold hunters because iron sulfides like pyrite often decompose into these rusty stains.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and sugary or glassy appearance. Look for it in high-relief outcrops where softer surrounding rock has eroded away.
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