metamorphic

Weathered quartz-bearing rock, possibly quartzite or feldspathic sandstone

Quartzite (SiO₂-rich), with possible iron-oxide staining and feldspar/mica impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Tan-brown, coarse-grained, irregularly fractured specimen with pale quartz-rich areas and rusty iron-oxide staining; likely vitreous to dull luster. Quartz hardness is 7 Mohs; quartzite has no cleavage and high specific gravity around 2.6–2.7.

Identified September 1, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-bearing rock, possibly quartzite or feldspathic sandstone
Scientific name: Quartzite (SiO₂-rich), with possible iron-oxide staining and feldspar/mica impurities
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 1, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $1–$10 for an ordinary hand specimen; $10–$30 if labeled with a verified locality or unusually attractive texture.

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 formed when quartz-rich sandstone was compacted and metamorphosed, recrystallizing into interlocking quartz grains; iron-bearing fluids produced the brown staining. Precise age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Used as crushed stone, aggregate, road material, dimension stone, and occasionally decorative stone; attractive pieces may be collected, but this specimen appears ordinary.

Geological facts

Quartzite commonly breaks across grains rather than around them and can be harder than a steel knife. The image alone cannot distinguish quartzite confidently from quartz-rich sandstone or altered feldspathic rock.

Field identification & locations

Common in metamorphic belts worldwide, including the Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, India, Brazil, and Scandinavia. Test with a steel nail or knife: true quartzite should resist scratching; inspect a fresh fracture for fused, sugary quartz grains.