mineral

Chrysoprase-bearing quartz matrix (probable)

Nickeliferous chalcedony/quartz, SiO₂, with green nickel minerals such as garnierite or népouite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale mint-green, white and gray material with brown iron-oxide staining; mostly dull to waxy luster and massive, microcrystalline texture. Quartz/chalcedony hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; the green phase is softer and its exact identity requires testing.

Identified September 18, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysoprase-bearing quartz matrix (probable)
Scientific name: Nickeliferous chalcedony/quartz, SiO₂, with green nickel minerals such as garnierite or népouite
Category: mineral
Identified: September 18, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 as a common rough specimen; $30–$150+ if the green material is vivid, polishable, and provenance is documented.

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

Likely formed when nickel-rich groundwater altered ultramafic rock, depositing silica and nickel-bearing minerals in fractures or cavities. Such deposits are commonly Cenozoic weathering products, though the specimen’s age cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary and ornamental material when the green color is attractive; otherwise mainly a mineral-collecting specimen. It is not suitable for structural construction.

Geological facts

The green color may resemble chrysoprase, but rough matrix specimens can also contain garnierite, népouite, serpentine, or copper minerals. Color alone cannot establish the species.

Field identification & locations

Look for waxy green chalcedony, white quartz, brown limonite, and association with altered ultramafic rock; a streak, hardness, specific-gravity, nickel, and laboratory analysis would improve identification. Common sources include Western Australia, Poland, Brazil, and New Caledonia.