mineral

Chrysoprase- or serpentine-bearing quartz vein with pyrite

Quartz (SiO₂) with iron sulfide, chiefly pyrite (FeS₂), in altered Mg-rich rock; green material may be serpentine or nickel-bearing chalcedony

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness is approximately 6–7 for quartz, 6–6.5 for pyrite, and 2.5–4 for serpentine; the specimen is pale green, white, gray, and brassy metallic, with granular to massive texture. Quartz is vitreous and non-cleaving; pyrite has a metallic luster and cubic crystal habit, though crystals here appear broken or granular.

Identified August 23, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Chrysoprase- or serpentine-bearing quartz vein with pyrite
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with iron sulfide, chiefly pyrite (FeS₂), in altered Mg-rich rock; green material may be serpentine or nickel-bearing chalcedony
Category: mineral
Identified: August 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$50 for a common hand specimen; $75–$200+ if the sulfides are well-crystallized or the green mineral is verified as attractive chrysoprase.

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 in a hydrothermal vein or altered ultramafic rock, where silica- and sulfur-bearing fluids deposited quartz and pyrite. A precise geological age cannot be determined from the photograph; such assemblages occur from Precambrian to modern hydrothermal systems.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a teaching or display specimen; quartz may have industrial value, while pyrite is collected for its metallic appearance. The green material could be ornamental if confirmed as high-quality chrysoprase, but this specimen appears chiefly mineralogical.

Geological facts

The brassy grains are consistent with pyrite, often called “fool’s gold”; copper sulfides can look similar, so chemical testing is useful. A streak test, hardness test, and acid reaction can help separate quartz, calcite, serpentine, and sulfides.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in hydrothermal veins, shear zones, and serpentinized ultramafic terrains. Look for glassy quartz, green alteration minerals, metallic brassy grains, and a dark green-black streak or sulfide staining.