metamorphic

Tumbled quartz-rich pebble, likely quartzite or chert

Quartz (SiO₂), possibly quartzite; exact identification is uncertain from the image

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs, tan to honey-brown, translucent in thin areas, with a waxy to dull luster and no obvious cleavage. Rounded edges and surface polish indicate tumbling; visible pale patches may be quartz or weathering zones.

Identified September 16, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Tumbled quartz-rich pebble, likely quartzite or chert
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), possibly quartzite; exact identification is uncertain from the image
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$2-$10 for a common tumbled specimen; approximately $10-$30 if especially translucent, patterned, or sold as a named variety.

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

Quartzite forms when quartz-rich sandstone recrystallizes under heat and pressure; chert forms by silica precipitation or replacement in sedimentary environments. The specimen’s geological age and precise origin cannot be determined visually.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative tumbled stone, craft material, and collector specimen; quartzite is also used as aggregate and building stone. Typical value is modest unless unusually attractive or proven to be a rare variety.

Geological facts

Its strong resistance to scratching is characteristic of quartz-rich material. A steel file should not scratch it; glass-scratching ability would support a quartz identification.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in stream gravels and metamorphic or sedimentary terrains worldwide. Distinguish it from calcite by hardness: calcite scratches easily with a knife and fizzes in dilute hydrochloric acid.