metamorphic

Weathered quartz-rich rock, possibly quartzite or granite fragment

Quartzite (SiO₂) or quartz-bearing granitoid; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-white, granular and rough, with a dull to slightly glassy luster and apparent quartz grains; quartz hardness is about Mohs 7, with no obvious cleavage. The dark coating may be weathering, iron/manganese staining, or adhering matrix.

Identified September 16, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Weathered quartz-rich rock, possibly quartzite or granite fragment
Scientific name: Quartzite (SiO₂) or quartz-bearing granitoid; exact identification requires testing
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 16, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Typically $1-$10 as an unidentified hand specimen; approximately $10-$30 if locality-provenance or unusually attractive mineralization is established.

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

If quartzite, it formed when sandstone was recrystallized during metamorphism; if granitoid, it crystallized from cooling magma. The specimen’s geological age and locality cannot be determined from the photograph.

Uses & applications

Common quartzite is used as aggregate, road stone, building stone, and occasionally as a decorative material; attractive pieces may be collected but are generally low value.

Geological facts

Quartz-rich rocks commonly resist weathering, leaving rounded or irregular remnants. A glass-scratch test can support quartz identification, but it may damage the specimen.

Field identification & locations

Likely sources include quartz veins, metamorphic terrains, and granitic regions worldwide. Look for abundant interlocking quartz, absence of obvious layering, and hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass.