mineral

Quartz crystal (likely iron-stained quartz)

Quartz, SiO₂

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown to rusty-brown, translucent, with a vitreous luster and irregular fracture; no obvious cleavage. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a trigonal crystal structure, though this small, rough piece shows no clear crystal faces.

Identified September 26, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz crystal (likely iron-stained quartz) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz commonly forms from silica-rich fluids in veins and cavities within igneous and metamorphic rocks; iron-oxide staining can color it brown. The specimen’s age and exact formation environment cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz is widely used in glass, electronics, and construction; clear, well-formed crystals are collected or used in jewelry. This rough piece appears to have modest decorative or collecting value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and breaks with a curved, shell-like conchoidal fracture rather than splitting along cleavage planes.

Field identification & locations

The image is consistent with a small quartz fragment, but does not show diagnostic crystal faces or a test for hardness. Quartz is geologically plausible in Ethiopia’s diverse terrains, including the region broadly indicated; exact locality cannot be confirmed visually.