metamorphic

Quartz-rich rock with dark mica or tourmaline

Likely quartz-mica schist or quartz-rich pegmatitic rock; exact identification is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Visible pale, glassy to milky quartz with dark, reflective platy or prismatic crystals. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7; mica is typically 2–3, while tourmaline is 7–7.5. Crystal habit and cleavage are not clear enough to confirm the dark mineral.

Identified October 14, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Quartz-rich rock with dark mica or tourmaline
Scientific name: Likely quartz-mica schist or quartz-rich pegmatitic rock; exact identification is uncertain from the image
Category: metamorphic
Identified: October 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$50 for a common, unverified hand specimen; distinctive, well-crystallized specimens may be worth more.

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

Quartz-rich metamorphic or pegmatitic material forms through recrystallization or crystallization from silica-rich fluids. The specimen’s age and precise origin cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Quartz-rich rock may be used decoratively or as a mineral-collecting specimen; quartz and mica also have industrial uses. Value depends on confirmed minerals, quality, and specimen size.

Geological facts

The dark crystals may be mica or tourmaline, which can look similar in a blurry photograph. A close view of crystal shape and a hardness test would help distinguish them.

Field identification & locations

Look for abundant glassy quartz with dark crystals; flaky sheets suggest mica, while elongated, striated prisms suggest tourmaline. Such material occurs in metamorphic rocks and granitic pegmatites worldwide.