Found in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Found this at my place of work, less then 5km from Niagara Falls, I am a complete amateur when it comes to identification. Though I believe it may be quartz.

Any insight from the experts?

Its got some sparkle to it, and the drastic differences on each side has me confused. I am very curious to hear how you guys think it may have gotten this way.

Thank you all in advance

Slag from iron or steel production. it is very common and often mistaken for other rocks and minerals.

Byron

Jonathan, where abouts in the Falls did you find the piece.. I know the area well, there were a few steel factories in the area many years ago and I know of some areas where slag was dumped..

Andrew.

The first two pictures look like slag, the third one looks crystalline to me. Perhaps the specimen is a composite of slag with something else that did not melt in the furnace. Is there a distinct boundary between the two areas?

Hi Jonathan,

I also think the first two are probably slag. Your third image of a white columnar aggregate may be Tremolite. Compare here:
[www.mindat.org] If it is Tremolite, it may be fluorescent so if you have a SW or LW source you may want to check this. Good luck.

Ron