metamorphic

Iron-stained quartz vein rock

Quartz-rich vein material with iron oxides/hydroxides (quartz, SiO₂, stained by hematite/goethite); likely hosted in a metamorphic rock

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White translucent-to-opaque quartz occurs with rusty red-brown iron staining and darker mineral grains. Quartz is Mohs 7, vitreous, and lacks cleavage; the stated lack of scratching in the white area is consistent with quartz, though a steel nail test is not definitive. Grainy, irregular texture;…

Identified September 29, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Iron-stained quartz vein rock
Scientific name: Quartz-rich vein material with iron oxides/hydroxides (quartz, SiO₂, stained by hematite/goethite); likely hosted in a metamorphic rock
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 29, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $2–$20 for a common hand specimen; more only if unusually attractive, large, or documented.

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 fluids filled fractures, then iron-bearing minerals oxidized to hematite/goethite; the host may have been altered or metamorphosed. The exact age and setting cannot be determined from the image alone.

Uses & applications

Mostly a collector or teaching specimen; quartz-rich material may have industrial uses if sufficiently pure and abundant, while this iron-stained piece is unlikely to be gem-grade.

Geological facts

Rusty colors commonly come from very small amounts of iron oxides coating or intergrown with quartz and other minerals.

Field identification & locations

Look for hard white patches that resist scratching, glassy or sugary fracture surfaces, and no regular cleavage; the red-brown staining suggests iron oxides. Quartz veins occur worldwide, including in metamorphic terrains, but precise locality needs field context.