mineral

Iron-stained quartz-rich rock, possibly goethite-bearing quartz

Quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides/hydroxides, likely goethite or limonite

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6–7 for quartz and 4–5.5 for goethite/limonite; brown-orange iron staining surrounds black to gray, glassy-to-metallic patches. Likely massive rather than well-crystallized, with no obvious cleavage and variable specific gravity, commonly about 2.6–4.3.

Identified August 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Iron-stained quartz-rich rock, possibly goethite-bearing quartz in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz-rich rock, possibly goethite-bearing quartz
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with iron oxides/hydroxides, likely goethite or limonite
Category: mineral
Identified: August 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $2–$20 as an unidentified rough specimen; approximately $20–$100 if polished or confirmed as an attractive mineral specimen.

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

Probably formed by silica-rich vein or cavity material later altered and stained by oxidizing groundwater; the orange zones represent weathered iron minerals. Exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Usually a collector specimen or lapidary rough; quartz-bearing material may be polished, while iron-rich varieties are mainly ornamental and educational. Commercial value is generally low unless the black mineral is identified as an attractive or rare species.

Geological facts

The black material could include goethite, hematite, manganese oxides, or weathered sulfide minerals; image-only identification is uncertain. A streak test, hardness test, magnetism check, and specific-gravity measurement would help distinguish them.

Field identification & locations

Common in oxidized quartz veins, stream gravels, and iron-rich outcrops worldwide. Quartz scratches glass; goethite/limonite typically leaves a yellow-brown streak, while hematite leaves a reddish-brown streak.