mineral
Quartz Crystal Cluster with Iron Stain
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
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.
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
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments
Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic