mineral
Quartz pebble with iron inclusions
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-white to clear with orange-red staining (iron oxides); Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
Identified More mineral →
Explore Quartz pebble with iron inclusions in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-white to clear with orange-red staining (iron oxides); Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. This specific specimen appears to be a water-worn or weathered pebble containing secondary iron oxide staining from groundwater or oxidation.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as an abrasive, in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), and widely as a decorative stone or for jewelry when high quality.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Iron-stained quartz like this is often referred to as 'ferruginous quartz' or 'limonitic quartz'.
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and common occurrence in gravel beds, riverbanks, and mountainous terrain worldwide.
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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock