mineral

Iron-rich quartz specimen (likely hematite/goethite-coated quartz)

Quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides, chiefly hematite (Fe₂O₃) and/or goethite (FeO(OH)); precise identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rough, irregular specimen with rusty red-brown, ochre, cream, and gray areas; likely vitreous quartz patches and earthy to metallic iron-oxide coatings. Quartz hardness 7 Mohs; hematite 5–6.5, goethite 5–5.5; crystal structure and cleavage are not clear from the image.

Identified September 23, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-rich quartz specimen (likely hematite/goethite-coated quartz)
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides, chiefly hematite (Fe₂O₃) and/or goethite (FeO(OH)); precise identification requires testing
Category: mineral
Identified: September 23, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 USD for a small, common rough specimen; the pictured piece appears modest in size and quality.

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 quartz-bearing material stained or partly replaced by iron oxides during weathering or hydrothermal alteration; age and exact formation setting cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector specimen; quartz and iron ores have broad industrial uses, but this piece is not evidently suitable as ore or gemstone material.

Geological facts

Iron-oxide staining commonly produces red, brown, and yellow colors on quartz-rich rocks.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy, hard quartz areas and rusty coatings; quartz should scratch glass, while a streak test can help distinguish iron oxides. Similar material occurs worldwide in oxidized veins and weathered mineral deposits.