mineral

Quartz with Iron Oxide Inclusions

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite/Limonite

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to milky with reddish-brown staining, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Identified May 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to milky with reddish-brown staining, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture)

Formation & geological history

Formed from hydrothermal veins or within metamorphic rocks where silica-rich fluids crystallized. The rusted brown regions are results of iron-rich mineral inclusions or surface oxidation (weathering) over millions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily of interest to mineral collectors or as a decorative landscape stone. High-purity quartz is used in glassmaking and electronics.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. The brown patterns in this specimen are often called 'iron staining' or 'rust' by collectors.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Look for it in riverbeds, mountain outcrops, and glacial till. This specimen shows significant weathering and water-worn edges.

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