mineral

Brecciated quartz vein rock

Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining and likely feldspar/carbonate gangue

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; mostly white to gray, with rusty brown staining; vitreous to dull luster. The angular fragments and cemented vein material indicate brecciation; cleavage is absent in quartz, and specific gravity is about 2.65.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled and repeatedly fractured a rock or fault zone, cementing broken fragments with quartz. The exact geological age and host rock cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a decorative or collecting specimen; massive quartz may be used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, and silicon production, but this irregular specimen is generally unsuitable for high-value jewelry.

Geological facts

The gray central mass appears to be massive quartz rather than a single crystal, while brown areas likely represent iron oxides such as hematite or limonite. Some pale, blocky material could be feldspar or carbonate and would require testing for confirmation.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy fracture, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and no reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid unless carbonate is present. Common in hydrothermal veins, fault zones, and mineralized districts worldwide.