mineral

Iron-stained quartz-bearing rock (probable weathered quartz vein or ironstone)

Quartz (SiO₂) with goethite/limonite iron oxides; possibly altered volcanic or metamorphic host rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rough, granular specimen with pale gray-white to yellow-orange material, earthy to locally vitreous luster, and strong iron staining. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; goethite/limonite is about 4–5.5; cleavage is absent in quartz, and the specimen is likely massive rather than well crystallized.

Identified August 28, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz-bearing rock (probable weathered quartz vein or ironstone)
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with goethite/limonite iron oxides; possibly altered volcanic or metamorphic host rock
Category: mineral
Identified: August 28, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$15 as a common rough specimen; $20–$100 if attractive, crystal-rich, or confirmed gold-bearing. Photo-only identification cannot verify gold.

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 silicified fracture, where quartz precipitated and later weathering oxidized iron-bearing minerals to limonite/goethite. The exact age cannot be determined from the photograph; such rocks are plausible in the mineralized Andean terrain near 6.1°N, 75.4°W, Colombia.

Uses & applications

Usually a collecting specimen or rough lapidary material; iron-rich quartz can be attractive when polished. It has little commercial value unless it contains demonstrable gold or unusually fine crystals.

Geological facts

Yellow-orange coloration is typically iron-oxide staining, not necessarily gold. A streak, hardness, density, and assay are needed before making any precious-metal claim.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy quartz patches, rusty coatings, and resistance to scratching. Quartz should scratch glass; an unglazed porcelain streak test can distinguish earthy iron oxides. Commonly found in weathered veins, stream gravels, and mineralized zones.