mineral

Iron-stained Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron oxide inclusions

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Translucent white to yellow/orange due to iron staining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Translucent white to yellow/orange due to iron staining
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or as a primary constituent in igneous rocks like granite. The yellow/orange staining occurs when groundwater containing iron oxides (like limonite or hematite) penetrates cracks or coats the surface over geological time.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone (citrine-like in appearance), in landscaping, glass manufacturing when pure, and as a common specimen for educational collections.

Geological facts

While it looks like citrine, the color is often just a surface or fracture-filling staining of iron rather than a built-in lattice substitution. Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass), lack of cleavage, and translucent nature. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial tills, and eroded mountain slopes worldwide.

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