mineral
Tumbled translucent quartz or chalcedony fragment
Silicon dioxide, SiO₂; likely quartz/chalcedony
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall, polished, translucent honey-pink to orange piece with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and no visible crystal faces. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65; the strong color may result from iron staining or lighting, though visual identification is uncertain.
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Physical properties
Small, polished, translucent honey-pink to orange piece with a vitreous-to-waxy luster and no visible crystal faces. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65; the strong color may result from iron staining or lighting, though visual identification is uncertain.
Formation & geological history
Quartz forms in igneous, hydrothermal, and sedimentary environments; chalcedony forms as microcrystalline silica filling cavities and fractures. The specimen appears human-tumbled or polished, so its original geological age and source cannot be determined.
Uses & applications
Common quartz and chalcedony are used for glass, ceramics, abrasives, countertops, and ornamental objects; attractive colored pieces may be sold as cabochons or tumbled stones.
Geological facts
Backlighting reveals translucency typical of silica minerals. It could be a small piece of rose quartz, orange chalcedony, or another quartz variety; color alone is insufficient for a precise variety identification.
Field identification & locations
Test against glass: genuine quartz should scratch it, while a steel blade should not scratch it. Check for bubbles, which would suggest glass rather than a geological specimen; hardness and refractive behavior can confirm quartz-family material.