What Is This Rock? Get Instant Answers
Found an interesting rock and wondering what it is?
Ruby Glint's AI-powered rock identifier answers your questions instantly. Just take a photo of your rock, mineral, or crystal and get detailed identification results in seconds. No geology degree required!
Whether you found it in your backyard, at the beach, on a hike, or rockhounding trip - we'll help you identify what type of rock or mineral you have.
3 Steps to Identify Your Rock
Find out what rock you have in seconds
Take a Photo
Snap a clear picture of your rock in good lighting
Upload to Ruby Glint
Our AI analyzes color, texture, crystals, and patterns
Get Your Answer
Instant identification with detailed rock information
Common "What Is This Rock?" Questions
Quick answers to the most frequently asked rock identification questions
What is this white/clear rock I found?
Likely quartz - the most common mineral. Clear quartz is transparent, white quartz is milky. Hardness 7, glassy luster.
What is this black shiny rock?
Could be obsidian (volcanic glass), hematite (metallic luster), or coal. Check if it's magnetic (magnetite) or breaks with sharp edges (obsidian).
What is this rock with crystals inside?
Likely a geode! Hollow rocks lined with crystals, often quartz, amethyst, or calcite. Break open to see the crystals inside.
What is this purple rock?
Probably amethyst (purple quartz) - hardness 7, glassy luster. Could also be fluorite if softer (hardness 4) or lepidolite if flaky.
What is this sparkly rock?
The sparkle could be mica (flaky sheets), pyrite (gold, metallic), or quartz crystals. Granite often contains sparkly mica flakes.
What is this gold/yellow rock?
Likely pyrite ('fool's gold') if metallic and cubic crystals. Could also be chalcopyrite, limonite, or actual gold (very rare).
For precise identification of YOUR specific rock, use our app:
Try Rock Identifier AppWhat Rock Is This? Clues from Where You Found It
Location provides important hints about rock type
Found at the Beach
Common finds: Quartz, granite, basalt, agates, jasper, driftwood, sea glass
Found in a River/Stream
Common finds: River rocks (smooth granite, basalt), quartz, flint, agates, fossils
Found in Mountains
Common finds: Granite, quartz, feldspar, mica, metamorphic rocks like schist or gneiss
Found in Desert
Common finds: Sandstone, desert roses (gypsum), agates, jasper, petrified wood
Found in Garden/Yard
Common finds: Local bedrock fragments, quartz, limestone, granite, imported decorative rocks
Heavy for Its Size
Common finds: Hematite, magnetite, galena, or other metallic minerals
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about rock identification, gemstone buying, and using our platform.
The easiest way is to use Ruby Glint's rock identifier app - just take a photo and get instant AI-powered identification. For manual identification, observe the rock's color, test its hardness (can it scratch glass?), look for crystals, check the texture, and note where you found it. These clues help narrow down what type of rock you have.
Quartz is the most commonly found rock/mineral. It appears as clear or white crystals, is very hard (scratches glass), has a glassy luster, and is found almost everywhere. Other commonly found rocks include granite (speckled with pink/white/black minerals), limestone (soft, often gray or tan), and basalt (dark, fine-grained volcanic rock).
Most rocks found in nature are common and not particularly valuable, but there are exceptions! Agates, crystals, fossils, and certain minerals can have value to collectors. Ruby Glint's app provides estimated market values for rock specimens. Generally, value depends on rarity, size, quality, and aesthetics - well-formed crystals and rare minerals are worth more.
Gemstones are minerals that are beautiful, rare, and durable enough for jewelry. Look for: transparent or translucent appearance, good hardness (at least 7 for most gems), attractive color, and well-formed crystals. Common gemstones you might find include quartz varieties (amethyst, citrine), garnets, and agates. Ruby Glint can identify if your rock is a gemstone-quality mineral.
True meteorites are very rare! Most 'meteorites' are actually terrestrial rocks. Real meteorites are usually: heavy for their size, magnetic (if iron), have a fusion crust (thin dark coating), and lack visible crystals or layers. If you think you've found a meteorite, have it tested by a geologist or university geology department. Ruby Glint can help identify if it's a common rock being mistaken for a meteorite.
Ruby Glint can identify over 6,000 types of rocks, minerals, crystals, and gemstones with 90%+ accuracy. This includes all common rocks you're likely to find (granite, quartz, limestone, basalt) plus rare minerals and crystals. The AI works best with clear, well-lit photos showing the rock's color, texture, and any crystal formations. It handles everything from backyard finds to professional geological specimens.
Stop Wondering - Find Out What Your Rock Is Now
Download Ruby Glint for instant AI-powered rock identification. Take a photo and get detailed answers about any rock, mineral, or crystal you find.
