mineral

Quartz pebble

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan, beige, or translucent
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, beige, or translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65.

Formation & geological history

Formed from cooling magma or precipitation in hydrothermal veins. This small specimen is likely a water-worn fragment from a larger quartz vein, often found in sedimentary deposits or riverbeds.

Uses & applications

Primary source of silica for glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as construction aggregate.

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.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Commonly found in gravel, stream beds, and sandy soils globally. Look for a glassy or greasy luster and translucent edges.