mineral
Quartz Geode with Iron Staining
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Limonite/Hematite inclusions
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Clear to white quartz with yellowish-brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 Mohs
- Color
- Clear to white quartz with yellowish-brown iron staining
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz Geode with Iron Staining in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 Mohs; Color: Clear to white quartz with yellowish-brown iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed in cavities within volcanic or sedimentary rocks where mineral-rich hydrothermal fluids precipitate crystals over thousands of years. The yellow-orange tint is caused by iron oxides (limonite/hematite) leaching into the specimen.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a collector's specimen, educational tool, or decorative piece. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and glass manufacturing.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These specific specimens are nicknamed 'Golden Quartz' or 'Limonitic Quartz' because of their iron-rich coloring.
Field identification & locations
Identify by the presence of small crystalline faces (druzy) and its ability to scratch glass. Commonly found in desert regions or areas with high volcanic history. Look for round or lumpy nodules that feel lighter than they look, suggesting a hollow interior.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic