mineral

Orange glassy slag (industrial by-product)

Iron-rich silicate glass; composition varies, commonly Fe–Ca–Al silicate

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Opaque orange-brown, glossy, irregular piece with a smooth, possibly melted surface; hardness and density vary with composition. It is amorphous rather than crystalline, so it has no crystal structure or regular cleavage; image alone cannot establish exact composition or Mohs hardness.

Identified September 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed when industrial furnace waste cooled rapidly into glass; it is human-made, not a naturally formed rock, and has no geological age.

Uses & applications

Primarily collected as slag glass; some varieties are used as aggregate or abrasive material, but this small piece has no evident commercial use.

Geological facts

Iron oxides commonly produce orange, brown, green, or black colors in slag. Similar-looking natural volcanic glass can occur, but the context and appearance are more consistent with manufactured material.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, irregular flow or bubble textures, and association with industrial waste; laboratory testing is needed to confirm it. Typical small, common specimens may sell for about $1–$10.