metamorphic

Weathered quartz-rich rock, likely feldspathic quartzite or quartz vein fragment

Quartzite dominated by quartz (SiO₂), with probable feldspar and iron-oxide staining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness about 7 (quartz), white to honey-brown, translucent in thin edges, with vitreous to dull luster and irregular fracture; brown color likely comes from limonite/goethite coatings. Crystalline texture is granular, though the photograph is insufficient to confirm quartzite versus a weathered quartz vein.

Identified September 16, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-rich rock, likely feldspathic quartzite or quartz vein fragment
Scientific name: Quartzite dominated by quartz (SiO₂), with probable feldspar and iron-oxide staining
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $2–$15 for an ordinary hand specimen; approximately $20–$75 for an especially attractive, well-labeled specimen.

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 quartz-rich sandstone recrystallized during metamorphism, or precipitated in a hydrothermal fracture; age depends on its source region and cannot be determined visually. Iron-bearing groundwater later produced the ochre staining.

Uses & applications

Quartzite is used as crushed stone, aggregate, road material, building stone, and occasionally decorative material; attractive stained pieces are collected but generally have modest value.

Geological facts

Quartzite is commonly harder and more resistant to weathering than its parent sandstone. A steel file should not readily scratch the fresh surface, while glass can usually be scratched by it.

Field identification & locations

Common in metamorphic belts and quartz-vein zones worldwide; test with a hand lens, streak, and hardness test, and look for fused quartz grains rather than visible sand grains. Acid reaction should be absent unless carbonate minerals are present.