mineral

Weathered quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz in altered host rock

Milky quartz (SiO₂), with probable iron-oxide staining and a fine-grained host matrix

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

White to translucent, dull-to-glassy luster with an irregular fracture; quartz hardness is Mohs 7, lacks cleavage, and has specific gravity about 2.65. The yellow-brown coloration is likely limonite/goethite staining; exact texture is difficult to confirm from one photograph.

Identified September 10, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz in altered host rock
Scientific name: Milky quartz (SiO₂), with probable iron-oxide staining and a fine-grained host matrix
Category: mineral
Identified: September 10, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $1–$10 as an ordinary field specimen; higher value would require confirmed unusual minerals, crystals, or attractive display quality.

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 in a hydrothermal quartz vein or silicified zone, with later weathering and iron-oxide alteration; the specimen’s geological age cannot be determined visually. Common settings include fractures in igneous and metamorphic rocks.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used for glass, silica products, abrasives, and engineered stone; attractive pieces are collected or occasionally used decoratively, but this example appears low-grade for jewelry.

Geological facts

Quartz commonly breaks with conchoidal to irregular fracture and does not show planar cleavage. A steel file should not scratch quartz, while quartz should scratch ordinary window glass.

Field identification & locations

Look for glassy fracture, hardness, and absence of cleavage; acid testing is generally uninformative. Common worldwide, especially in hydrothermal vein districts and weathered bedrock.