mineral

Quartz with Iron Oxide Inclusions

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: clear to translucent with reddish-orange to yellow staining. Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when water-tumbled. Crystal structure: trigonal. Cleavage: none, conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: clear to translucent with reddish-orange to yellow staining
Luster: vitreous (glassy) to waxy when water-tumbled

Identified August 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through igneous or hydrothermal processes where silica-rich fluids cool and crystallize. The reddish-orange color comes from iron oxide (rust) inclusions or staining that occurred during or after formation.

Uses & applications

Commonly collected by rockhounds, tumbled for decorative purposes, or used in landscaping and jewelry making.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. Iron staining is a very common feature in many quartz deposits, giving stones colors ranging from light yellow (citrine-like) to deep red.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (scratches glass), lack of cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Often found in riverbeds, beaches, and glacial deposits where they have been naturally tumbled and smoothed by water.