metamorphic
Quartzite River Pebble
Quartzite (primarily SiO2)
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to peach-orange due to iron oxide staining, Luster: dull to waxy when polished, Crystal structure: granular/microcrystalline, Cleavage: none, Specific gravity: ~2.65
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: tan to peach-orange due to iron oxide staining, Luster: dull to waxy when polished, Crystal structure: granular/microcrystalline, Cleavage: none, Specific gravity: ~2.65
Formation & geological history
Formed through the metamorphism of quartz-rich sandstone under intense heat and pressure. This specific specimen has been rounded and smoothed by fluvial (river) erosion over a long period.
Uses & applications
Decorative landscaping, aquarium substrate, historical use for stone tools, and general construction aggregate.
Geological facts
Quartzite is so tough that it often outlasts the surrounding rock during erosion, which is why it is frequently found as rounded pebbles in riverbeds and on beaches.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its ability to scratch glass and its grainy, sugary appearance under magnification. Commonly found in riverbeds, glacial deposits, and coastal areas.
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