mineral
Iron-stained Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Limonite inclusions
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, vitreous to waxy luster, trigonal crystal system, white streak, conchoidal fracture, translucent yellowish-orange to reddish-brown coloration due to iron oxide staining.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7 on Mohs scale, vitreous to waxy luster, trigonal crystal system, white streak, conchoidal fracture, translucent yellowish-orange to reddish-brown coloration due to iron oxide staining.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal deposition or crystallization in igneous, metamorphic, or sedimentary environments. Iron oxide (hematite or limonite) coats fractures or permeates internal voids during secondary weathering or fluid movement.
Uses & applications
Popular for lapidary work, tumbled stone collecting, jewelry making, and metaphysical display pieces.
Geological facts
Often referred to as Fire Quartz, Hematoid Quartz, or Golden Healer Quartz when iron oxides create vibrant orange and yellow internal reflections and banding.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified by its characteristic quartz hardness, conchoidal fracture, and rust-colored iron oxide fractures. Found in riverbeds, gravel deposits, and pegmatites worldwide, particularly in Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA.
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