mineral

Weathered quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite

Quartz (SiO₂), likely with iron-oxide staining and minor feldspar or carbonate impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Cream to tan, mostly massive and granular, with vitreous to dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz hardness is about 7 Mohs, with no cleavage and specific gravity near 2.65. The porous, rusty-brown surface suggests weathering and iron-oxide coatings.

Identified September 4, 2026More mineral →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-rich rock, possibly milky quartz or quartzite
Scientific name: Quartz (SiO₂), likely with iron-oxide staining and minor feldspar or carbonate impurities
Category: mineral
Identified: September 4, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$25 as a common natural specimen; potentially $30–$75 if unusually aesthetic, locality-labeled, or confirmed as a rarer mineral association.

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 as a hydrothermal quartz vein or quartz-rich metamorphic rock, later exposed and weathered; its precise geological age cannot be determined from the photograph. The brown coloration commonly comes from limonite/goethite formed during oxidation.

Uses & applications

Common quartz-rich specimens are used for teaching, collecting, aggregate, and occasionally ornamental stone; this irregular specimen has little commercial jewelry value unless cutting reveals attractive clarity or patterns.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is a major component of granite, sandstone, and many veins. Iron staining can produce colors ranging from yellow-brown to red.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its glassy fracture, hardness—scratching ordinary glass—and lack of cleavage. Common settings include quartz veins, granitic terrains, and metamorphic belts; confirmatory testing would require a scratch test and closer examination for feldspar or carbonate.