metamorphic

Quartz–iron oxide-bearing metamorphic rock, possibly garnet schist or gneiss

Quartz, feldspar, mica, and iron oxides; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness roughly 5–7 overall; coarse, uneven texture with gray, brown, rusty-red, and metallic-looking areas. Likely vitreous quartz alongside sparkly mica or sulfide grains; cleavage varies by mineral and specific gravity is approximately 2.7–4.5.

Identified September 5, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz–iron oxide-bearing metamorphic rock, possibly garnet schist or gneiss
Scientific name: Quartz, feldspar, mica, and iron oxides; exact identification requires testing
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 5, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a common unverified hand specimen; $30–$150 if attractive, mineral-rich, and 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

Probably formed when a clay- or quartz-rich protolith underwent regional metamorphism, with later oxidation producing the rusty coloration. Geological age cannot be determined from the photograph and may range from Precambrian to younger.

Uses & applications

Primarily a collector or educational specimen; comparable rocks may be used as decorative stone, aggregate, or sources of quartz and feldspar, but this irregular piece has little commercial use.

Geological facts

The apparent metallic patches could be mica, pyrite, chalcopyrite, or iron oxides; visual identification alone cannot distinguish them reliably.

Field identification & locations

Look for foliation, aligned mica flakes, quartz-rich translucent grains, and a rusty streak or oxidation rind; test hardness, streak, magnetism, and acid reaction. Commonly found in metamorphic belts worldwide, including the Appalachians, Rockies, and Precambrian shields.