mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Milky white to translucent
Luster: Vitreous to waxy

Identified June 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Milky white to translucent; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture; Specific gravity: 2.65

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal fluids or the cooling of felsic magma. This specific specimen has been rounded by fluvial or coastal erosion.

Uses & applications

Used in glass making, electronics (piezoelectric properties), abrasives, and as a landscaping stone. Small pebbles are often used in decorative gravel.

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 away.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its ability to scratch glass and its lack of cleavage. Look for a waxy or glassy luster and rounded shape from water transport. Found globally in riverbeds and beaches.