Quartzite Pebble

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: Gray to brownish with translucent areas, Luster: Vitreous to dull, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (microcrystalline), Cleavage: None, Fracture: Conchoidal

Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specimen has been further shaped by water erosion in a river or coastal environment, resulting in its smooth, rounded 'pebble' form.

Used as decorative gravel in landscaping, as an abrasive in industrial applications, or as high-quality aggregate in construction. Smooth beach stones are also popular for crafts and stress-relieving stones.

Quartzite is one of the most durable rocks on the surface of the Earth. If you find a smooth, hard pebble that can scratch glass and does not fizz with acid, it is almost certainly a quartz-based rock like quartzite.

Identified by its high hardness, smooth texture due to water erosion, and lack of visible grains. It is commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and along beaches.