mineral

Quartz Pebble

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 (Mohs scale), Color: White to translucent milky white, Luster: Vitreous (glassy) to waxy when water-worn, Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Trigonal, Cleavage: None (conchoidal fracture), Specific Gravity: 2.65.

Identified April 8, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed from silica-rich hydrothermal veins or within igneous and metamorphic rocks. This specific specimen has been shaped and polished into a 'sea bean' or pebble through high-energy wave action (abrasion) in a coastal or river environment.

Uses & applications

Industrial use for glass making, abrasives, and electronics (as silicon). Smooth pebbles are used in landscaping, aromatherapy stones, and as 'worry stones' for collectors.

Geological facts

Quartz is one of the most abundant minerals in Earth's crust. It is highly resistant to chemical and physical weathering, which is why it often remains as rounded pebbles on beaches long after other minerals have eroded away.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hardness (it will scratch glass and metal) and lack of cleavage. It often appears milky or 'frosted' on beaches. Common globally in beach shingle and river beds.