mineral
Quartz Crystal Cluster with Iron Stain
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to translucent or milky white with orange-brown iron oxide (limonite/hematite) staining, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Crystal Cluster with Iron Stain in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, clear to translucent or milky white with orange-brown iron oxide (limonite/hematite) staining, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, conchoidal fracture, specific gravity of 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed from hydrothermal solutions rich in silica within cavities of host rocks, often in pegmatites or veins, over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used in electronics, watchmaking, glassware, optics, decorative objects, and crystal specimen collecting.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's continental crust. The reddish-orange staining is typically caused by iron-rich water weathering the crystal surfaces over time.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its crystal shape, high hardness (scratches glass), and lack of cleavage. Found worldwide, commonly in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and sedimentary deposits.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous