metamorphic
River Quartzite Pebble
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, and light brown with hints of green (likely algae or chlorite); Luster: Waxy to vitreous when wet; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Luster
- Waxy to vitreous when wet
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, and light brown with hints of green (likely algae or chlorite); Luster: Waxy to vitreous when wet; Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone subjected to high heat and pressure. These specific specimens are river-worn (alluvial), weathered by water transportation over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in landscaping, decorative ground cover, aquarium decor, and sometimes as low-grade construction aggregate. Tumbled versions are used in meditation stones.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so hard that it will scratch glass and steel. It is more resistant to weathering than the sandstone it originated from, which is why it often survives as smooth river pebbles.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (cannot be scratched by a knife) and sugary/granular texture under a lens. Common in riverbeds and glacial tilt deposits worldwide.
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