mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan to milky white
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan to milky white; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from cooling magma or hydrothermal veins; this specimen is a water-worn or weathered fragment. Quartz is found in rocks of all ages throughout geological history.

Uses & applications

Common industrial uses include glass making, abrasives, and electronics. Small pebbles like this are often used in landscaping or construction aggregate.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically and physically resistant to weathering, which is why it often survives as pebbles long after other minerals have eroded.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Commonly found in riverbeds, beaches, and soil. To collectors, this is a 'pocket stone' or common gravel component.