How do I identify Ferruginous Quartz?

Ferruginous Quartz can be identified by its hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale, Red color, Vitreous luster, Trigonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Ferruginous Quartz?

Ferruginous Quartz typically appears in Red, yellow, orange, brown. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Ferruginous Quartz?

Ferruginous Quartz has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.

Ferruginous Quartz

A variety of Quartz

Easy to obtain

What is Ferruginous Quartz?

With a nearly even coloration of brown, yellow, and red tones, ferruginous Quartz tends to form crystals that are large and striking in appearance. They are often opaque. Though sometimes translucent, this type of quartz is never transparent. It gets its coloring from hematite or limonite.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.544-1.553
Birefringence: 0.009
Pleochroism: Weakly dichroic
Optical Character: Biaxial positive
Dispersion: 0.013

Discover Values

Rarity

3.7out of 5.0

74%

Popularity

4.1out of 5.0

82%

Beauty

4.1out of 5.0

82%

Cultural Value

3.8out of 5.0

76%

Collection Value

4.0out of 5.0

80%