mineral

Quartz Cluster (Likely Ferruginous)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Colorless to orange/yellowish (likely due to iron oxide staining), Luster: Vitreous (glassy), Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (Trigonal), Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture, Specific Gravity: 2.65

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or igneous rocks by cooling silica-rich fluids. This specific specimen exhibits iron-bearing impurities or coatings commonly found in sedimentary or weathered igneous environments.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, watchmaking (piezoelectric properties), glass manufacturing, electronics, and as popular decorative display pieces for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Citrine is the yellow gem variety, though many orange specimens found in nature are actually milky quartz stained by hematite or goethite.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct hexagonal crystal shape, lack of cleavage, and ability to scratch glass. This piece is a 'cluster' consisting of several termination points.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic