mineral

Weathered, iron-stained quartz-rich pebble (uncertain identification)

Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, with iron-oxide/hydroxide staining and dark matrix inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Rounded, tumbled-looking specimen with a translucent cream to pale pink body, glassy-to-waxy luster, and dark brown-black surface patches. Quartz has Mohs hardness 7, no cleavage, conchoidal fracture, and specific gravity about 2.65; the dark material may be iron oxides or another matrix mineral.

Identified August 11, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered, iron-stained quartz-rich pebble (uncertain identification)
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz, SiO₂, with iron-oxide/hydroxide staining and dark matrix inclusions
Category: mineral
Identified: August 11, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

$1–$10 as an ordinary pebble; up to roughly $20–$50 if the pattern proves attractive and it is sold as a lapidary specimen.

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

Likely a naturally weathered stream or glacial pebble formed from silica-rich rock, later stained by groundwater oxidation. Its precise geological age and source cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Primarily a curiosity or beginner’s collection specimen; it has little industrial or jewelry value unless cutting reveals attractive patterning.

Geological facts

The rounded shape indicates transport or abrasion, while the black patches appear to be attached matrix or weathering products rather than crystal faces.

Field identification & locations

Test hardness against glass, inspect with a loupe for quartz grains, and check streak; a definitive identification requires a fresh surface or chemical/mineral testing. Quartz-rich pebbles occur worldwide in river gravels, beaches, and glacial deposits.