mineral
Tangerine Quartz
Silicon Dioxide with Hematite inclusions (SiO2 + Fe2O3)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to reddish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Orange to reddish-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Tangerine Quartz in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Orange to reddish-orange; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.
Formation & geological history
Formed when iron-rich water evaporates on the surface of quartz crystals, leaving a microscopically thin coating or inclusions of hematite (iron oxide).
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a collector specimen, in metaphysical practices, and occasionally in artisanal jewelry.
Geological facts
The orange color is not inside the crystal structure itself, but is a coating of rust-like iron minerals on the surface or just beneath the surface interface.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct orange coating over transparent to translucent quartz points. Commonly found in Minas Gerais, Brazil and Madagascar.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock