mineral

Quartz with Metallic Inclusion

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with associated metallic sulfide or oxide

Hardness: 7 (Quartz body), White to off-white body with metallic grey/black inclusion, Vitreous to dull luster, Trigonal/Hexagonal crystal system, Conchoidal fracture, Specific gravity ~2.65 for the quartz.

Identified July 8, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz with Metallic Inclusion in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Quartz forms in a wide variety of environments, most commonly from hydrothermal veins and cooling igneous magmas. The inclusion likely formed during the late-stage cooling of mineral-rich fluids.

Uses & applications

This specimen is primarily a decorative or geological sample. Pure quartz is used in glassmaking, electronics, and construction.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Inclusions like the metallic one seen here can sometimes contain trace amounts of galena, pyrite, or iron oxides which provide clues to the mineral deposit origin.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and the lack of cleavage in the white quartz portion. Look for it in areas with high tectonic activity or near historic mining sites.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Granite

Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)

igneous