mineral

Quartz with Iron Oxide Inclusions

Silicon dioxide with limonite/hematite (SiO2)

Hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, vitreous to greasy luster, transparent to translucent white/clear areas with dark brown or black iron oxide staining, conchoidal fracture, hexagonal crystal system (though amorphous or microcrystalline in this habit), specific gravity of 2.65.

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal veins where silica-rich fluids crystallized under pressure and temperature, often subjected to weathering and groundwater movement that deposited iron and manganese oxides into fractures over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Used in lapidary arts, wire-wrapping jewelry, mineral collecting, and metaphysical applications.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The dark bands and stains are typically caused by secondary iron minerals like goethite or hematite infiltrating micro-fractures within the quartz matrix.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its high hardness (scratches glass) and conchoidal fracture. Common worldwide in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic rocks.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Soil with Mineral Detritus and Quartz Fragments

Regolith / Silicate Mineral Aggregate

sedimentary

Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)

FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)

mineral

Schist

Metamorphic

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral