mineral

Weathered quartz-rich pebble, possibly iron-stained chalcedony

Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely chalcedony with iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Brown-orange to gray, translucent at thin edges, with dull to waxy luster and irregular fracture; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and specific gravity near 2.6. The surface appears naturally weathered rather than polished.

Identified August 17, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-rich pebble, possibly iron-stained chalcedony
Scientific name: Microcrystalline quartz (SiO₂), likely chalcedony with iron-oxide staining
Category: mineral
Identified: August 17, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $1–$10 as an ordinary rough pebble; $10–$50 if unusually translucent, attractive, or proven to be collectible material.

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 silica-rich groundwater deposited chalcedony in a cavity, fracture, or volcanic host rock, followed by erosion and rounding in sediment. Exact geological age and source cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Common pieces are used as lapidary rough, tumbled stones, and decorative specimens; gem-quality translucent chalcedony may be cut for jewelry. This small irregular pebble has little industrial value.

Geological facts

The orange-brown coloration is probably caused by dispersed hematite or goethite. Its translucent edges and conchoidal-looking fracture are consistent with chalcedony, though the image cannot exclude weathered jasper or quartzite.

Field identification & locations

Test hardness against glass, which it should scratch, and inspect for a waxy texture and conchoidal fracture; a streak test may show little color unless iron oxides are abundant. Chalcedony and related quartz pebbles occur widely in volcanic terrains, gravels, and stream beds.