igneous

Quartz-rich granite or granitic gneiss fragment

Granite, primarily quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and minor mica; possibly weakly foliated gneiss

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Light gray-white, coarse crystalline, with a granular texture and vitreous-to-dull luster. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7; feldspar is about 6, and the rock lacks obvious cleavage as a whole.

Identified September 2, 2026More igneous →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-rich granite or granitic gneiss fragment
Scientific name: Granite, primarily quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and minor mica; possibly weakly foliated gneiss
Category: igneous
Identified: September 2, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$0-$5 for an ordinary loose specimen; up to roughly $10-$25 if unusually attractive, labeled, or part of a curated collection.

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

Light gray-white, coarse crystalline, with a granular texture and vitreous-to-dull luster. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7; feldspar is about 6, and the rock lacks obvious cleavage as a whole.

Formation & geological history

Formed by slow cooling of silica-rich magma deep in the crust, or by metamorphic recrystallization if the faint banding is genuine; typical ages range from hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Commonly used as crushed aggregate, building stone, countertops, monuments, and landscaping material; this small fragment has negligible jewelry value.

Geological facts

The visible speckled texture reflects interlocking quartz and feldspar grains rather than individual well-formed crystals.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its pale color, visible interlocking grains, hardness, and inability to scratch easily with a steel nail; a streak test and hand lens can distinguish it from quartzite or marble. Granite and gneiss are widespread in continental crust worldwide.