metamorphic

Likely weathered quartz-rich rock (possibly quartzite or milky quartz pebble)

Quartzite; predominantly quartz (SiO₂), but exact identification is uncertain from the photograph

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rounded, light gray-white specimen with a dull to weakly glassy luster and granular texture; likely Mohs hardness ~7, no obvious cleavage, and specific gravity near 2.6. The dark central area may be staining, matrix, or a shadow rather than a distinct mineral.

Identified September 21, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Likely weathered quartz-rich rock (possibly quartzite or milky quartz pebble)
Scientific name: Quartzite; predominantly quartz (SiO₂), but exact identification is uncertain from the photograph
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1-$10 for an ordinary hand specimen; attractive polished or unusually patterned pieces may sell for roughly $10-$40.

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

If quartzite, it formed when quartz-rich sandstone was recrystallized during metamorphism, commonly in Precambrian to younger mountain belts; if a quartz pebble, it was transported and rounded by erosion. Common in river gravels and weathered outcrops.

Uses & applications

Quartzite is used as aggregate, road stone, building or decorative stone, and occasionally as a lapidary material; ordinary pebbles have little commercial value.

Geological facts

Quartz-rich rocks resist weathering and commonly survive as rounded stream cobbles. A steel knife should not scratch fresh quartz-rich surfaces, though weathered coatings can scratch more easily.

Field identification & locations

Look for interlocking quartz grains, white-gray color, and inability to scratch with a knife; quartzite is generally tougher and more granular than massive quartz. Common in metamorphic terrains and stream deposits.