mineral
Iron-stained quartz
Quartz (SiO₂), likely stained by iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7 Mohs; white to translucent with rusty yellow-brown patches and vitreous luster. Hexagonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with uneven to conchoidal fracture. The image does not show enough detail to confirm the identification.
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; white to translucent with rusty yellow-brown patches and vitreous luster. Hexagonal crystal structure; no cleavage, with uneven to conchoidal fracture. The image does not show enough detail to confirm the identification.
Formation & geological history
Quartz commonly crystallizes from silica-rich fluids in veins and cavities, or forms as grains in many rock types. The iron staining formed when iron-bearing minerals oxidized; no age can be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Quartz is widely used in glassmaking, electronics, and construction; attractive pieces may be collected or used decoratively.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is a major component of many sands and rocks.
Field identification & locations
Look for glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch glass, and absence of cleavage; rusty coloration can result from iron-oxide coatings. Quartz is common worldwide, especially in veins and pegmatites.
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
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
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