mineral

Quartz with Iron Oxide Stain

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Limonite coatings

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Colorless/translucent to white with reddish-brown/orange staining. Luster: Vitreous (glassy). Crystal Structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: ~2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified July 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of geological environments, including igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary settings. The brownish-red coloration comes from secondary iron oxide (limonite or hematite) deposits infiltrating micro-cracks or surface layers during weathering or groundwater movement.

Uses & applications

Used extensively in lapidary arts, jewelry, decorative mineral collections, electronics (piezoelectric applications), and glassmaking. Small raw quartz pieces are frequently collected by hobbyists.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Iron oxide inclusions or coatings can create striking natural patterns, sometimes called 'Golden Healer' or 'Iron-stained Quartz' depending on the intensity of the coloration.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its glassy luster, ability to scratch glass (Mohs 7), lack of cleavage, and clear crystalline body with localized reddish-brown surface iron staining. Extremely common worldwide in riverbeds, pegmatites, and gravels.

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