metamorphic

Iron-stained quartz-rich rock (probable quartzite or silicified breccia)

Quartz-dominant aggregate, chiefly SiO₂, with iron oxides/hydroxides

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7; brown, cream, gray, and rusty red, with a glassy to dull luster and irregular granular/vein-like texture. Quartz lacks cleavage and shows uneven fracture; iron staining produces the brown coloration.

Identified September 16, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz-rich rock (probable quartzite or silicified breccia)
Scientific name: Quartz-dominant aggregate, chiefly SiO₂, with iron oxides/hydroxides
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$15 for a common fragment; up to $20–$50 if unusually attractive, locality-labeled, or specimen-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 formed when quartz-rich sediment or fractured rock was cemented and/or metamorphosed, then weathered and oxidized by groundwater. Exact age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector or teaching specimen; quartzite may be used as crushed stone, aggregate, or building stone, though this small irregular piece has negligible industrial value.

Geological facts

The metallic-looking highlights are probably reflective quartz faces or iron-oxide coatings rather than native metal. A steel file should not easily scratch fresh quartz surfaces.

Field identification & locations

Common in metamorphic terrains, hydrothermal veins, and weathered iron-rich zones worldwide; test with a hand lens, streak plate, and hardness test, while avoiding damage to potentially valuable surfaces.