mineral

Polished quartz-rich pebble, possibly gold-bearing quartz vein material

Quartz (SiO₂) with probable iron-oxide staining and metallic sulfide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Smooth, rounded, gray translucent body with glassy luster and scattered yellow-gold patches; quartz hardness is 7 Mohs, lacks cleavage, and has a hexagonal crystal structure. The yellow areas may be pyrite or chalcopyrite rather than native gold.

Identified August 21, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished quartz-rich pebble, possibly gold-bearing quartz vein material
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂) with probable iron-oxide staining and metallic sulfide inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 21, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $3–$20 for a small polished quartz pebble; $25–$100+ if verified gold-bearing or unusually attractive.

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 a naturally weathered quartz vein fragment later polished or tumbled; quartz veins form from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in fractures, commonly during igneous or metamorphic activity. Its precise geological age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Suitable as a decorative or lapidary specimen, cabochon, or curiosity stone; quartz is widely used in glass, electronics, abrasives, and construction. Value is generally modest unless gold is confirmed.

Geological facts

Brassy metallic inclusions commonly indicate pyrite (“fool’s gold”) or chalcopyrite, both harder and more brittle-looking than native gold. A streak test, hardness test, magnification, and ideally XRF or assay are needed for identification.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal vein districts worldwide, including Nevada, California, Australia, Brazil, and Canada. Gold is malleable and leaves a yellow streak, whereas pyrite/chalcopyrite are brittle and usually leave dark green-black streaks; avoid destructive testing on valuable pieces.