mineral

Quartz crystal fragment with iron-oxide inclusions

Quartz, SiO₂; inclusions likely limonite/goethite or possibly mica

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Colorless to gray transparent crystal fragment with bright vitreous luster and apparent conchoidal fracture; internal golden-brown reflective patches are inclusions or coating. Quartz hardness Mohs 7, no cleavage, hexagonal crystal system, specific gravity about 2.65.

Identified September 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in a hydrothermal quartz vein or cavity, where silica-rich fluids deposited quartz around iron minerals. The photographed piece is too small and damaged to establish age or exact locality.

Uses & applications

Quartz is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and jewelry. Small included fragments have modest specimen and lapidary interest.

Geological facts

The golden material may be iron hydroxide staining, goethite/limonite, or mica; image-only identification cannot distinguish these reliably. It does not strongly resemble native gold, which is opaque, very dense, and malleable rather than glassy and crystalline.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in veins, geodes, and weathered mineralized rocks. Confirm with a scratch test: it should scratch ordinary glass but not be scratched by steel; gold-colored inclusions should not flatten under gentle pressure. Quartz-bearing veins are plausible near 33.2°N, 7.6°W, Morocco.