mineral
Iron-stained Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Iron Oxide (SiO2 + Fe2O3)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to tan with reddish-brown staining, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Explore Iron-stained Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to tan with reddish-brown staining, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal veins or as a secondary mineral during the weathering process. The iron oxide (limonite or hematite) stains the surfaces and cracks of the pre-existing quartz during exposure to groundwater and oxygen.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a common mineral specimen for hobbyists; larger deposits can be used as industrial silica or crushed rock for construction aggregate.
Geological facts
Iron-stained quartz is often called 'golden healer' in metaphysical circles. This specific specimen shows characteristic limonitic staining within fractures and on the surface, giving it its earthy appearance.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and the presence of rusty-colored residues that cannot be washed off easily. Common worldwide in nearly all geological environments.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary