mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Creamy white to gray with dark inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (trigonal); Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture); Specific Gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Creamy white to gray with dark inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when river-worn)

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through the crystallization of magma or precipitation from hydrothermal veins. This specific specimen is a water-worn river pebble, shaped by mechanical erosion over thousands of years.

Uses & applications

Used in glassmaking, abrasives, and as a component in concrete. Small polished versions are often used in decorative landscaping, aquariums, or as pocket stones.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. These rounded pebbles are often referred to as 'river teeth' because they are the hard remnants that survive long-distance transport in water.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass) and lack of cleavage. Look for the translucent quality and rounded edges indicating aqueous transport. Found globally in riverbeds and beaches.