metamorphic

Weathered quartz-rich metamorphic rock, likely quartzite

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 Mohs; gray, cream, brown, and rusty-red coloration; vitreous to dull luster; interlocking granular texture, generally lacking cleavage and showing irregular fractures. The specimen appears strongly weathered and brecciated or veined.

Identified September 6, 2026More metamorphic →

Explore Weathered quartz-rich metamorphic rock, likely quartzite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

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

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 as a common hand specimen; $30–$100 if unusually attractive, well-polished, or locality-documented.

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 recrystallized under heat and pressure during regional metamorphism, commonly hundreds of millions to billions of years ago. Iron oxides likely produced the reddish-brown staining and weathering.

Uses & applications

Used as durable aggregate, riprap, paving stone, building stone, and occasionally decorative material; this irregular specimen has modest lapidary or collecting value.

Geological facts

Quartzite is more resistant to weathering than its original sandstone and commonly forms ridges and resistant mountain outcrops. A true quartzite breaks through quartz grains rather than around them.

Field identification & locations

Field identification: scratches glass, resists a steel blade, has no fizz with dilute hydrochloric acid, and shows fused-looking quartz grains. Common in metamorphic mountain belts worldwide; exact identification would benefit from a fresh broken surface or thin section.