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; pale cream to tan with rusty orange staining, granular texture, and vitreous to dull luster. Quartz grains are tightly interlocked, with no obvious cleavage; the dark patch may be mica or an iron/manganese-rich inclusion.

Identified September 19, 2026More metamorphic →

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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 19, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as an ordinary hand specimen; $10–$50 if it has distinctive color, mineral inclusions, or 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

Formed when quartz-rich sandstone was recrystallized under heat and pressure, commonly during mountain-building; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the image. Weathering produced the brown iron-oxide surfaces and rough relief.

Uses & applications

Used as crushed stone, aggregate, building and landscaping stone, and occasionally for decorative slabs or carvings. Collector value is generally low unless it displays unusual crystals, fossils, or attractive mineral banding.

Geological facts

Quartzite commonly breaks across grains rather than around them and can be harder and more resistant than its parent sandstone. The specimen may alternatively be a quartz-rich vein or silicified rock, which requires testing for confident identification.

Field identification & locations

Look for a scratch-resistant surface, sugary quartz texture, and little or no reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid; a steel nail should not scratch fresh quartz. Common in metamorphic mountain belts worldwide, including the Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, Alps, and Scandinavian Shield.