mineral

Quartz-bearing rock fragment

Likely quartz (SiO₂) with iron-oxide staining and possible host-rock grains

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tiny irregular fragment with gray-white, granular to glassy areas and reddish-brown staining; quartz has Mohs hardness 7, vitreous luster, no cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. Exact texture and density cannot be confirmed from the image.

Identified August 7, 2026More mineral →

Explore Quartz-bearing rock fragment in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Probably a weathered quartz vein or quartz-rich rock fragment formed in a hydrothermal vein or metamorphic setting; its geological age is indeterminate from an image.

Uses & applications

Common quartz-rich material is used in glass, ceramics, abrasives, electronics, and construction aggregate; this fragment has negligible commercial value.

Geological facts

Iron oxides commonly produce the red-brown coloration on weathered quartz. A steel knife should not scratch quartz, while quartz can scratch ordinary glass.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy luster, translucent edges, hardness, and lack of cleavage; common in stream gravels, soil, and quartz veins worldwide. The specimen is too small and visually ambiguous for a definitive species identification.