mineral
Iron-Stained Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide impurities
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, white to yellowish-brown color due to iron staining, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, and no true cleavage. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, white to yellowish-brown color due to iron staining, trigonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, and no true cleavage. Specific gravity is approximately 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed via hydrothermal veins or crystallization from silica-rich aqueous solutions in cavities and fractures, often subjected to circulating groundwater containing iron oxides over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in mineral collecting, lapidary arts, decorative items, and sometimes as low-grade gemstones or quartz crystal oscillators.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. The golden-yellow to brown staining is caused by a thin coating of limonite or goethite on the crystal faces or within micro-fractures.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and characteristic glassy luster combined with the iron staining. Found worldwide in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary deposits.
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