metamorphic

Iron-stained brecciated quartz vein rock

Quartz-rich hydrothermal breccia; predominantly SiO₂ with iron oxides/hydroxides (hematite, goethite) and likely minor host-rock minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6–7 Mohs; gray to white, angular quartz fragments in a dark matrix with orange-brown iron staining; vitreous to dull luster, massive texture, irregular fractures, and no obvious cleavage. Exact mineral identity cannot be confirmed from a photograph alone.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained brecciated quartz vein rock
Scientific name: Quartz-rich hydrothermal breccia; predominantly SiO₂ with iron oxides/hydroxides (hematite, goethite) and likely minor host-rock minerals
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as a common rough specimen; $50–$200+ if unusually attractive, large, or demonstrably associated with gold, silver, or sulfide minerals.

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 silica-rich hydrothermal fluids fractured and cemented preexisting rock, commonly during faulting or mineralization; age depends on its host formation and may range from ancient Precambrian to much younger. Common in hydrothermal veins and ore districts.

Uses & applications

Typically a collector specimen or lapidary rough; quartz-rich material may be cut or polished, while associated iron sulfides or precious metals can make the host economically significant.

Geological facts

The rusty orange coloration usually reflects weathering of iron-bearing minerals, especially pyrite, which may no longer be preserved. Brecciation records repeated fracturing and fluid movement.

Field identification & locations

Identify by angular clasts, abundant hard quartz, and rusty iron staining; a streak, acid, hardness, and specific-gravity test plus microscopy are useful. Found worldwide in fault zones and metal-bearing vein systems.