mineral

Orange Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale orange to yellowish-peach; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale orange to yellowish-peach
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale orange to yellowish-peach; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: ~2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, or sedimentary environments through precipitation of silica-rich fluids under varying pressure and temperature conditions. Iron oxide inclusions often give it the orange hue.

Uses & applications

Used in lapidary work, decorative carving, crystal healing collections, and as raw mineral display specimens. Highly pure quartz is also used in electronics and glass manufacturing.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's continental crust. Its orange variations are usually caused by microscopic iron oxide (hematite or goethite) inclusions trapped within the quartz crystal lattice.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high hardness (scratches glass readily), absence of cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and glassy luster. Commonly found in pegmatite deposits worldwide including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.