mineral
Orange Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Orange to honey-brown. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Orange to honey-brown
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Orange to honey-brown. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal). Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, specifically in hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids cooled and crystallized. The orange hue is typically caused by hematite or goethite inclusions or trace amounts of iron.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for lapidary work, jewelry (beads and cabochons), decorative home decor, and as metabolic/healing stones in metaphysical circles.
Geological facts
The orange variety of quartz is often naturally occurring but occasionally produced by heat-treating smoky quartz or amethyst. It is chemically identical to glass but has an organized atomic lattice structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage planes, and its characteristic waxy or glassy luster. Commonly found in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
