mineral
Quartz pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White/Tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
- Hardness
- 7 (Mohs scale)
- Color
- White/Tan
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White/Tan; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from the crystallization of silica-rich magma or from hydrothermal solutions. This specimen appears to be a water-worn river or beach pebble formed via erosion of primary quartz veins.
Uses & applications
Industrial uses include glassmaking, abrasives, and electronics. Small pebbles of this quality are used for landscaping or decorative gravel.
Geological facts
Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in the Earth's crust. It is chemically stable at the Earth's surface, which is why it often remains as small pebbles after other minerals have weathered away.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Often found in stream beds, gravel pits, and beaches worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral