mineral

Quartz (Quartzite Pebble)

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, tan, or yellowish due to iron impurities; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale)
Color: White, tan, or yellowish due to iron impurities
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified May 24, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale); Color: White, tan, or yellowish due to iron impurities; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture).

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of silica-rich magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. These specific rounded specimens are products of mechanical weathering and transport in riverbeds or coastal environments.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as decorative gravel or landscape stone.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These small river-worn pebbles are often the survivors of intense erosion because quartz is chemically and physically very durable.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds, beaches, and soil worldwide. Frequently collected by beginners due to its availability and variety.