igneous
Weathered quartz-rich rock, likely granite or pegmatite fragment
Granite/pegmatitic granitoid; chiefly quartz (SiO₂), feldspar, and minor mica or iron oxides
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectCoarse, irregular granular texture with pale pink/tan feldspar, translucent gray-white quartz, and dark mineral flecks; crystalline, nonmetallic luster, no obvious cleavage on the fragment. Typical hardness is about 6–7 Mohs and specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.
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Physical properties
Coarse, irregular granular texture with pale pink/tan feldspar, translucent gray-white quartz, and dark mineral flecks; crystalline, nonmetallic luster, no obvious cleavage on the fragment. Typical hardness is about 6–7 Mohs and specific gravity about 2.6–2.7.
Formation & geological history
Formed when silica-rich magma cooled slowly underground, allowing large interlocking crystals to grow; its exact geological age cannot be determined from the photograph and may range from Precambrian to recent intrusive bodies.
Uses & applications
Granite is widely used as building stone, countertops, monuments, aggregate, and landscaping material; attractive pegmatitic pieces may be collected but this small weathered fragment has little commercial value.
Geological facts
Quartz resists weathering better than feldspar, producing the granular, pitted appearance visible here; iron oxidation may create the rusty orange staining.
Field identification & locations
Look for interlocking visible quartz and feldspar grains, unlike sedimentary cement or glass; common worldwide in continental crust and granite outcrops. A hand lens and scratch test can help confirm quartz and feldspar.
