mineral

Quartz Pebble

Quartz (Silicon Dioxide, SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan/off-white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Pinkish-tan/off-white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan/off-white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: Indistinct/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal solutions or cooling magma. This specific specimen is water-worn (alluvial), likely shaped by stream or river transport over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Common quartz is used in gemstones, glass manufacturing, abrasives, and as a raw material in electronics for its piezoelectric properties. Pebbles are often used for landscaping.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'Quarz', which has Slavic origins meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its ability to scratch glass, its lack of cleavage, and its smooth, water-worn surface. Found globally in riverbeds, beaches, and soil.