sedimentary

Quartz-rich breccia (possibly silicified jasper or chalcedony breccia)

Silica breccia composed mainly of microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), chalcedony, and possibly iron-oxide-stained quartz

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 6.5–7 Mohs; translucent gray, white, and honey-brown zones; vitreous to waxy luster; irregular conchoidal fractures; no obvious cleavage; specific gravity roughly 2.6. Angular clasts cemented by silica are visible, with brown coloration likely from iron oxides.

Identified September 7, 2026More sedimentary →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-rich breccia (possibly silicified jasper or chalcedony breccia)
Scientific name: Silica breccia composed mainly of microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), chalcedony, and possibly iron-oxide-stained quartz
Category: sedimentary
Identified: September 7, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $10–$50 for a common hand specimen; $50–$150 or more if unusually translucent, colorful, or attractively polished.

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

Forms when silica-rich fluids fill fractures and cement broken rock fragments, commonly during hydrothermal activity or weathering. Its precise age cannot be determined from the image; age depends on the host formation.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a decorative or lapidary stone for cabochons, carvings, polished slices, and display specimens; not generally used as structural aggregate when attractive.

Geological facts

The specimen appears to combine translucent chalcedony or quartz with iron-stained material, producing brecciated patterns. Strong light transmission at thin edges and conchoidal fracture support a silica-rich identification.

Field identification & locations

Check for glassy fracture, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary steel or glass, and lack of reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid. Common examples occur in volcanic terrains, hydrothermal veins, and silica-rich fracture zones worldwide.