mineral

Quartz with Iron Staining

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Goethite/Limonite inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: White with yellowish-brown to orange iron oxide staining. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Crystal structure: Trigonal. Cleavage: None, exhibits conchoidal fracture. Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: White with yellowish-brown to orange iron oxide staining
Luster: Vitreous to dull

Identified August 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal veins or secondary deposition where groundwater rich in iron seeped into fractures of the quartz, oxidizing over time to create the characteristic yellowish-brown staining.

Uses & applications

Used in lapidary work, decorative display pieces, and mineral collecting.

Geological facts

Iron oxide staining is extremely common in quartz and is often referred to by collectors as 'limonite-stained quartz' or 'hematite-stained quartz' depending on the exact iron mineral present.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its hard quartz base (scratching glass) combined with surface discoloration from iron weathering. Found globally in quartz-bearing pegmatites, veins, and alluvial gravels.

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

Septarian Pebble

Septarian nodule / Concretion

sedimentary

Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

mineral

Schist

Metamorphic