metamorphic
Likely tumbled brown jasper or iron-stained quartzite pebble
Jasper (microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂) or quartzite; the photo is not detailed enough to distinguish confidently
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectOpaque, mottled brown, with a dull-to-waxy surface and rounded, apparently polished shape. If jasper or quartzite, hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; both are predominantly quartz, but crystal texture cannot be confirmed from the image.
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Physical properties
Opaque, mottled brown, with a dull-to-waxy surface and rounded, apparently polished shape. If jasper or quartzite, hardness is about 6.5–7 Mohs; both are predominantly quartz, but crystal texture cannot be confirmed from the image.
Formation & geological history
Could be a naturally rounded pebble or a tumbled stone; jasper forms as silica-rich deposits, while quartzite forms when sandstone is metamorphosed. Its geological age and origin cannot be determined visually.
Uses & applications
Small decorative or collectible stone; jasper and quartzite may also be used for beads, ornaments, and other lapidary work.
Geological facts
Brown coloration commonly results from iron-bearing impurities. The visible shape and mottling alone do not establish a specific identification.
Field identification & locations
A close-up showing a fresh surface, translucency, and texture—or hardness and streak tests—would help distinguish jasper from quartzite and other brown stones. Similar materials occur worldwide.
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