mineral
Quartz Pebble
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (though rounded here), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White/Translucent, Luster: Vitreous to greasy, Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (though rounded here), Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific gravity: 2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed from cooling silica-rich magma or hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen has been secondary-weathered and smoothed by water action in a river or coastal environment.
Uses & applications
Common quartz is used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a concrete aggregate. Small rounded pebbles are frequently used in decorative landscaping and aquarium substrata.
Geological facts
Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. It is chemically very stable, which is why it often remains as pebbles long after the host rock has weathered away.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its hardness (it can scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. It is found globally in almost all geological environments, particularly in beach and river deposits.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)
Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)
Metamorphic Rock
![Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral