mineral

Iron-stained Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7, Color: Orange to reddish-orange due to iron staining, Luster: Vitreous to waxy, Crystal structure: Trigonal (massive in this specimen), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal processes or from cooling magma. The orange color comes from iron oxides (like hematite or goethite) that stained the quartz either during formation or later through groundwater percolation. Typical in many environments.

Uses & applications

Commonly used in lapidary work, tumbled stones, landscaping, and collecting. Pure quartz has many industrial uses, but heavily stained varieties are mostly decorative.

Geological facts

Also sometimes referred to as 'ferruginous quartz' or mistakenly called 'carnelian' (which is a chalcedony, a microcrystalline quartz). The iron can be merely on the surface or permeated throughout the stone.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and typical quartz luster, combined with the distinct orange/red iron staining. Found worldwide in riverbeds, beaches, and quartz veins.