mineral

Polished snowflake obsidian-like stone (likely milky quartz with black tourmaline)

Quartz (SiO₂), probably containing black tourmaline (schorl, NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄) inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, vitreous luster, rounded and polished; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, while tourmaline inclusions are about 7–7.5. No obvious cleavage; likely specific gravity near 2.65–3.2.

Identified August 14, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Polished snowflake obsidian-like stone (likely milky quartz with black tourmaline)
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), probably containing black tourmaline (schorl, NaFe₃Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄) inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $3–$20 for a polished common piece; $20–$75 if unusually attractive, large, or confirmed as tourmalinated quartz.

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

White to translucent, vitreous luster, rounded and polished; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, while tourmaline inclusions are about 7–7.5. No obvious cleavage; likely specific gravity near 2.65–3.2.

Formation & geological history

Likely formed in a hydrothermal pegmatite or quartz vein, where quartz crystallized around dark tourmaline. The polished/tumbled surface obscures its original texture; age cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative tumbled stone, lapidary material, and inexpensive collector specimen; not generally suitable for major construction use.

Geological facts

The dark inclusions appear more crystalline and irregular than the classic starburst patterns of snowflake obsidian, making quartz with tourmaline the better match.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy translucence, conchoidal fractures, and hard quartz surfaces; a steel file should not easily scratch it. Acid and magnet tests are generally unhelpful; exact identification requires a loupe or specific-gravity testing.