metamorphic

Weathered quartz-rich metamorphic rock, likely quartzite

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; coarse, granular texture with gray, cream, and rusty orange-brown colors. Vitreous to dull luster, interlocking quartz grains, and no obvious cleavage; orange areas are likely limonite/hematite staining.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-rich metamorphic rock, likely quartzite
Scientific name: Quartzite; predominantly quartz (SiO₂), with iron-oxide staining and possible feldspar/mica impurities
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 6, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5-$25 for a common hand specimen; roughly $30-$150 if unusually attractive, large, or polished.

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

Formed when quartz-rich sandstone was deeply buried and recrystallized under heat and pressure, commonly during mountain building. Its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph and depends on the source formation.

Uses & applications

Used as crushed aggregate, road stone, building stone, landscaping rock, and occasionally as decorative slabs. Attractive banded or iron-stained pieces may be collected, but this specimen appears common and uncut.

Geological facts

Quartzite commonly breaks across grains rather than around them and can scratch ordinary glass. Iron-bearing groundwater often produces the characteristic orange, yellow, and red weathering colors.

Field identification & locations

Look for a very hard, sugary texture and quartz grains fused into a massive rock; a steel nail usually will not scratch it. Common occurrences include metamorphic mountain belts worldwide, especially India, Brazil, the United States, and Scandinavia.