mineral

Iron-stained Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Iron Oxide (Limonite/Goethite) inclusions

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: Rusty orange, yellow, and white; Luster: Vitreous to dull (due to staining); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: Rusty orange, yellow, and white
Luster: Vitreous to dull (due to staining)

Identified June 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids cooling in veins or cavities. The orange coloration is caused by secondary oxidation (rusting) of iron minerals that have coated or permeated the quartz crystal structure over geological time.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a decorative landscape stone, construction fill, or as a source of silica in glassmaking if purified. Collectors often value more translucent varieties.

Geological facts

Iron-stained quartz is one of the most common mineral varieties found on the Earth's surface. The 'rusty' coating is often the same mineral as limonite or rust, which pigments the crystal surface.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and its characteristic conchoidal fracture. Common in areas with high groundwater movement and mineral-rich quartz veins. It is found globally in almost all geological environments.

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

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Schist

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Epidote

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Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

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