Mechanochemical treatment of quartz and its mixtures with ash-slag and iron oxides in the presence of various modifying organic additives was carried out. Quartz and mixtures based on it exhibit ferromagnetic properties and are distinguished by good sorption ability toward organic substances. Crystalline silica assumes the role of the matrix during development of structure and functional properties of the magnetic adsorbent. It was found, that the polymer film, which is used to cover the quartz particles, includes regions with embedded iron nanoparticles as well as other regions enriched with active carbon. The synthesized sorbents were used to collect petroleum spill over water; high water purification degree<br />(up to 98 %) was achieved.