metamorphic
White quartz-rich rock, likely milky quartz or quartzite
Quartz (SiO₂); possibly quartzite, a metamorphosed quartz sandstone
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectWhite to gray, opaque, with a glassy-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and no cleavage. The specimen appears massive and weathered, though the image does not clearly resolve its grain texture or mineral boundaries.
Identified More metamorphic →
Explore White quartz-rich rock, likely milky quartz or quartzite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
White to gray, opaque, with a glassy-to-dull luster and irregular fracture; quartz has Mohs hardness 7 and no cleavage. The specimen appears massive and weathered, though the image does not clearly resolve its grain texture or mineral boundaries.
Formation & geological history
If quartzite, it formed when quartz sandstone was recrystallized during metamorphism, generally from Precambrian to younger sedimentary rocks; if massive quartz, it precipitated from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids in fractures. Exact age and origin require thin-section or chemical examination.
Uses & applications
Quartzite is used as crushed stone, construction aggregate, dimension stone, and occasionally decorative material; clear quartz is used in glass, electronics, and specimens. This rough piece has little jewelry value.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of Earth’s most abundant minerals and is highly resistant to weathering. Rust-colored patches likely represent iron-oxide staining, while darker areas may be attached host rock or soil.
Field identification & locations
A steel file should not readily scratch fresh quartz, while quartz can scratch glass; quartzite typically shows fused granular texture and breaks across grains. Common sources include metamorphic belts and hydrothermal veins worldwide.
More like this
