mineral

Quartz Matrix with Iron Staining / Mica Schist

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide staining

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale (quartz component); Color: White, clear, yellow-brown to iron-rust brown; Luster: Vitreous to dull/earthy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale (quartz component)
Color: White, clear, yellow-brown to iron-rust brown
Luster: Vitreous to dull/earthy

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, or metamorphic host rocks. Iron oxide (limonite or hematite) coatings develop through weathering and groundwater interaction.

Uses & applications

Geological collecting, educational samples, ornamental stones, and industrial raw quartz source.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Iron staining often gives clear or milky quartz a golden or rusty brown appearance, sometimes confused with gold or citrine by beginners.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its hardness (scratches glass readily), milky to translucent interior where broken, and distinct brownish-yellow iron oxide outer crust or surrounding host rock matrix. Commonly found in gravel beds, stream deposits, and metamorphic terrains worldwide.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

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Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

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Schist

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Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

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Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

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Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary