mineral

Weathered sulfide-bearing ore specimen

Likely pyrite- and/or chalcopyrite-bearing quartz–iron-oxide rock; exact identification requires testing

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Irregular, strongly weathered specimen with metallic brassy yellow patches, gray matrix, rusty orange-brown oxidation, and cavities. Likely hardness about 3.5–6.5 depending on minerals; sulfides have metallic luster, while quartz is glassy and iron oxides are earthy.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

Explore Weathered sulfide-bearing ore specimen in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

At a glance

Common name: Weathered sulfide-bearing ore specimen
Scientific name: Likely pyrite- and/or chalcopyrite-bearing quartz–iron-oxide rock; exact identification requires testing
Category: mineral
Identified: August 15, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $5–$30 for a common weathered hand specimen; attractive, analytically confirmed ore specimens may sell for $50–$150.

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

Probably formed in a hydrothermal vein or sulfide-rich mineral deposit, then exposed and oxidized near the surface; age depends on its source locality and cannot be determined from the image.

Uses & applications

Mostly a teaching or collector specimen; pyrite/chalcopyrite may be associated with copper, gold, or other ore deposits, but this piece is not suitable for construction or jewelry without confirmation and preparation.

Geological facts

Brassy sulfides commonly tarnish to iridescent or rusty surfaces as they oxidize. A streak test, magnet test, hardness test, and specific-gravity measurement would help distinguish pyrite, chalcopyrite, marcasite, and iron oxides.

Field identification & locations

Commonly found in hydrothermal veins, volcanic massive sulfide deposits, and sediment-hosted ore bodies worldwide. A metallic brassy streak and cubic pyrite crystals support pyrite; green-blue oxidation would suggest copper minerals.