metamorphic

Banded quartz-rich metamorphic rock (likely quartzite or quartz-mica schist)

Quartzite/schist composed chiefly of SiO₂ quartz with mica, feldspar, and iron-oxide or copper-colored accessory minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray to dark gray, coarse and strongly banded, with translucent glassy quartz lenses and metallic-looking pink-brown veins; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture, while mica contributes foliation.…

Identified September 7, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Banded quartz-rich metamorphic rock (likely quartzite or quartz-mica schist)
Scientific name: Quartzite/schist composed chiefly of SiO₂ quartz with mica, feldspar, and iron-oxide or copper-colored accessory minerals
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Common hand specimens: $5-$30; large attractive or locality-labeled pieces: roughly $30-$150.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when quartz-rich sedimentary or igneous material was buried, heated, and deformed during mountain building; the mineral assemblage may represent Paleozoic or older metamorphic basement, depending on locality.

Uses & applications

Durable quartzite is used as aggregate, landscaping stone, building veneer, and decorative slabs; attractive specimens are collected, though the foliated variety is less suitable for countertops.

Geological facts

The pale translucent areas are likely quartz veins that crystallized in fractures, while the pink-brown material may be iron oxides or altered copper-bearing minerals.

Field identification & locations

Look for abundant quartz, interlocking grains, foliation or banding, and hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass; a streak, acid test, and locality information would distinguish quartzite from schist or altered metavolcanic rock.