mineral

Quartz with Iron Oxide Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Limonite coatings

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent grayish-white to tan, coated with yellowish-orange to brown iron oxides. Luster: Vitreous to greasy. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 22, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz with Iron Oxide Inclusions 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

Formed through hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids precipitated in rock fractures or cavities, later exposed to weathering and iron-rich groundwater that deposited iron oxides (limonite/hematite) on the surface.

Uses & applications

Primarily collected as a raw mineral specimen. High-grade clean quartz is used in electronics, optics, and glassmaking, while rough coated specimens are popular for amateur rockhounding.

Geological facts

Iron oxide coatings give many quartz crystals a golden, rust, or orange hue, often sold under trade names like 'Tangerine Quartz' or 'Golden Healer' depending on the depth and color of the coating.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified in the field by its scratch resistance (scratches glass easily, hard to scratch with steel), conchoidal fracture where exposed, and distinct yellowish-rust earthy coating. Commonly found in granite pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and stream beds.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock