igneous
Banded Basalt / Lave Stone or Gneiss Pebble
Igneous/Metamorphic banded pebble
Hardness generally 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, dark gray to black alternating with lighter bands, dull to sub-vitreous luster, dense and compact crystal structure.
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Physical properties
Hardness generally 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, dark gray to black alternating with lighter bands, dull to sub-vitreous luster, dense and compact crystal structure.
Formation & geological history
Formed through cooling of magma or intense metamorphism, subsequently weathered and shaped into a smooth pebble by water action in a river or beach environment.
Uses & applications
Used for landscaping, decorative garden stones, meditation, and lapidary collections.
Geological facts
Water-worn banded pebbles often display striking natural concentric or parallel patterns created by original mineral segregation during cooling or deformation.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its smooth, water-worn exterior and distinct alternating dark and light bands. Commonly found in riverbeds, lake shores, and glacial deposits.
