metamorphic

Iron-stained quartz-rich rock (likely ferruginous quartzite)

Quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides, chiefly hematite/goethite; exact rock type cannot be confirmed from the photo

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Cream to pale-yellow quartz-rich areas are mottled with rusty-red iron-oxide staining. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and a vitreous luster; the specimen appears massive and irregular, with no obvious cleavage.

Identified October 13, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz-rich rock (likely ferruginous quartzite)
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides, chiefly hematite/goethite; exact rock type cannot be confirmed from the photo
Category: metamorphic
Identified: October 13, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 for a small, common rough specimen; higher value would require unusual aesthetics, locality, or verified mineral features.

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 silica-rich material was cemented or metamorphosed and later stained by oxidized iron-bearing fluids. Its age and precise formation setting cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Usually collected as a geological specimen; quartz-rich rock may be used as aggregate or silica feedstock when sufficiently pure and abundant.

Geological facts

The red-brown color commonly comes from hematite, while yellow-brown staining often reflects goethite or related iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

Look for hard, glassy quartz that resists scratching by a steel knife, plus rusty coatings or veins; similar material occurs in many iron-rich soils and quartz veins worldwide. A photo alone cannot establish the exact rock name or locality.