metamorphic

Purple quartz-bearing rock, likely amethyst-bearing quartzite or pegmatitic quartz

Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-related purple coloration; possible feldspar and mica impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; coarse, granular texture with purple-gray and white areas, vitreous to sugary luster, no obvious cleavage, and irregular fracture. The image does not clearly show distinct amethyst crystal tips, so exact identification is uncertain.

Identified September 20, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Purple quartz-bearing rock, likely amethyst-bearing quartzite or pegmatitic quartz
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-related purple coloration; possible feldspar and mica impurities
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 20, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 for a common rough hand specimen; attractive, crystal-rich material may bring $30–$100 or more.

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 from silica-rich igneous material or quartz-rich sediment that crystallized or recrystallized under geological heat and pressure; the purple color commonly reflects irradiation and trace iron. Precise age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as a lapidary and decorative material when attractive; finer transparent portions may be cut as amethyst, while ordinary pieces are mainly collector specimens.

Geological facts

Amethyst is quartz colored violet by defects involving iron; milky or granular quartz can appear purple when heavily included or weathered.

Field identification & locations

Look for quartz’s glassy appearance, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and absence of cleavage; amethyst typically shows transparent purple crystals in cavities. Common sources include Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Mexico, and Russia.