metamorphic

Quartz-bearing weathered rock, possibly quartzite or quartz vein fragment

Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining and likely feldspathic impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, glassy-to-waxy quartz appears intergrown with a tan-orange, iron-stained matrix. Quartz hardness is Mohs 7, lacks cleavage, has conchoidal fracture, and a vitreous luster; the specimen’s rounded form suggests transport or weathering.

Identified September 2, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-bearing weathered rock, possibly quartzite or quartz vein fragment
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining and likely feldspathic impurities
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 2, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$1–$10 for a common small specimen; up to about $20–$50 if unusually attractive, crystalline, or locality-labeled.

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 as a quartz-rich vein or metamorphosed sandstone, later exposed and rounded by erosion; iron minerals oxidized to limonite/goethite. A precise geological age cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartz-rich rock is mainly a collecting specimen; quartzite is used as aggregate, road stone, and decorative stone, while clear quartz may be used ornamentally or industrially.

Geological facts

The white material may scratch ordinary glass if it is quartz. Orange-brown coloration is typically a weathering coating rather than the primary mineral.

Field identification & locations

Look for hard, glass-scratching white grains, no visible cleavage, and rusty staining. Common in stream gravels, weathered outcrops, and quartz-vein zones; acid testing is generally unhelpful.