mineral

Quartz-rich breccia or quartz vein fragment

Silica, primarily quartz (SiO₂), with possible chlorite, feldspar, or iron-oxide inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale blue-green, translucent to opaque, with vitreous luster and granular/interlocking texture; apparent hardness about 7 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, and conchoidal fracture. The metallic-looking patches may be mica, sulfides, or surface reflections rather than true metal.

Identified September 22, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-rich breccia or quartz vein fragment
Scientific name: Silica, primarily quartz (SiO₂), with possible chlorite, feldspar, or iron-oxide inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: September 22, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 as an unattributed specimen; potentially $30–$100 if locality, unusual inclusions, or lapidary quality are verified.

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 when silica-rich hydrothermal fluids filled fractures and crystallized, possibly incorporating altered host rock; age depends on its source locality. The blue-green coloration commonly reflects inclusions or alteration minerals.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a collector specimen or lapidary material if it polishes well; quartz-rich material can also be used decoratively, though this irregular piece has little industrial value.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is piezoelectric. Color alone is not diagnostic because inclusions and weathering can strongly alter its appearance.

Field identification & locations

Common in hydrothermal veins and altered igneous or metamorphic terrains worldwide. A glassy luster, hardness near 7, lack of cleavage, and inability to scratch it with a steel knife support quartz; acid testing is unnecessary.