mineral

Pink Quartz Pebble

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale pink to tan (iron-stained). Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered). Crystal structure: Hexagonal (trigonal), but appears massive/rounded here. Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture). Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pale pink to tan (iron-stained)
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (weathered)

Identified March 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or within igneous pegmatites. This specific specimen has undergone mechanical weathering in a fluvial (river) or glacial environment, resulting in its smooth, rounded 'pebble' shape over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

River-worn quartz pebbles are used in landscaping, as industrial abrasives, in glass manufacturing when crushed, and as decorative 'pocket stones' for entry-level rock collectors.

Geological facts

Trace amounts of titanium, iron, or manganese within the crystal lattice usually give pink quartz its color. Because quartz is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, it is one of the most common minerals found in riverbeds worldwide.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its inability to be scratched by a steel knife (hardness 7) and its smooth, water-worn texture. Commonly found in gravel pits, riverbeds, and beaches across North America and Europe. Collectors should look for higher clarity or deeper 'rose' hues for better quality.