mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-tan, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
- Hardness
- 7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grayish-tan, translucent to opaque
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Grayish-tan, translucent to opaque; Luster: Vitreous to dull; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.
Formation & geological history
Formed in various geological environments including cooling magma (igneous), precipitation from hydrothermal veins, or as grains in sedimentary deposits. This specific pebble likely achieved its rounded shape through river or coastal erosion.
Uses & applications
Small common pebbles are used as aggregate in construction, landscaping, and industrial abrasives. High-purity quartz is used in electronics and glassmaking.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as pebbles after other minerals have eroded away.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide.
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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
![Biotite Schist (Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]) — metamorphic](https://media.rock.id/9ca564b5-bc87-402b-965a-69b21f9aa6bf-thumbnail.jpg)
Biotite Schist
Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]
metamorphic
![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