mineral

Quartz with Pyrite and Lichen

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Sulfide (FeS2)

Hardness: 7 (Quartz) / 6-6.5 (Pyrite). Color: Clear to milky white crystals with metallic gold-colored flecks. Luster: Vitreous (glassy) for quartz, metallic for pyrite. Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal for quartz, isometric for pyrite.

Hardness: 7 (Quartz) / 6-6
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) for quartz, metallic for pyrite

Identified July 9, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins through high-temperature aqueous solutions depositing minerals in rock fractures. The yellow surface material appears to be biological crustose lichen rather than a mineral deposit.

Uses & applications

Primarily for mineral collecting, education, and as a decorative specimen. Quartz is used in glass and electronics; pyrite is an ore of sulfur.

Geological facts

Pyrite is famously known as 'Fool's Gold' due to its metallic luster and brass-yellow hue which often misled prospectors. Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify by quartz's hexagonal crystal habits and pyrite's brassy metallic streak/color. Commonly found in mine tailings and outcrops in mountainous regions worldwide.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust

Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)

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