mineral

Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Limonite inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Translucent white to milky quartz mixed with reddish-brown to orange iron oxide coatings. Luster: Vitreous to dull in weathered pockets. Fracture: Conchoidal to irregular.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to dull in weathered pockets

Identified July 26, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal or igneous processes where silica-rich fluids crystallized. The reddish coloration is caused by secondary oxidation of iron minerals (hematite or limonite) filling cracks and surface cavities.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as decorative specimens, in landscaping, lapidary tumbling, and as raw quartz material for industrial silica applications.

Geological facts

Iron oxide staining on quartz is often called 'iron rose' or 'red quartz' depending on the depth of coverage. The reddish skin can often be cleaned using oxalates or mild acids if clear quartz is preferred underneath.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (scratches glass), glass-like fractured surfaces mixed with rusty orange-red iron staining. Highly common in riverbeds, gravel deposits, and pegmatite veins worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

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

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

sedimentary