mineral
Limonite-stained Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Iron Oxide Hydroxide, SiO2 + FeO(OH)*nH2O
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 for quartz and 4-5.5 for limonite; yellowish-brown to orange-brown color; vitreous to earthy luster; hexagonal crystal system.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Limonite-stained Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 for quartz and 4-5.5 for limonite; yellowish-brown to orange-brown color; vitreous to earthy luster; hexagonal crystal system.
Formation & geological history
Formed through hydrothermal veins or secondary weathering of iron-bearing sulfide minerals, often over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used as mineral specimens for collectors, decorative stones, and historically as an iron ore and pigment.
Geological facts
Limonite staining is a common surface alteration caused by groundwater interacting with iron minerals, giving rocks a characteristic rusty appearance.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its rusty brown coating and hard, glassy quartz core. Found worldwide in weathered quartz veins and gossan caps.
