mineral
Iron-stained Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Iron Oxide (SiO2 with Fe2O3)
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale; dull, earthy to vitreous luster; reddish-brown exterior with lighter grey/white quartz exposed; trigonal crystal system; fracture is subconchoidal to uneven.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on Mohs scale; dull, earthy to vitreous luster; reddish-brown exterior with lighter grey/white quartz exposed; trigonal crystal system; fracture is subconchoidal to uneven.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or weathered metamorphic/igneous terrains where quartz-bearing rocks are exposed to oxygenated, iron-rich fluid groundwater.
Uses & applications
Common specimen for educational collections, rough landscaping material, or potential source for tumble polishing.
Geological facts
Iron oxide (hematite or goethite) coatings give ordinary white or clear quartz its distinct rust-red or yellowish-brown hue.
Field identification & locations
Look for the characteristic hard quartz core under a rusty iron oxide crust. Found globally in iron-rich soils, river beds, and mining tailings. Value is mostly nominal for collectors.
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